Critical Thinking in Human Resource Development

This book provides a reflexive critique of the assumptions of orthodox HRD research and practice and questions the conception of humans as resources, as well as the conventional performative focus of HRD. Examining the broader social, political and economic contexts, the book offers alternative perspectives for considering both the needs of individuals and the sustainable development of organizations in post-industrial economies. Critical Thinking in Human Resource Development offers a radical alternative to mainstream thinking about developing people in the workplace. Traditionally, HRD literature has been based around functionalist and performativity perspectives with little attention paid to the wider social, economic and political contexts in which HRD operates. The chapters in this collection suggest new and cutting edge research agendas for the field and introduce the use of critical theory into the study of HRD. The book contains original chapters by some of the world’s leading thinkers in the field and their work opens up the study of HRD, raising methodological questions and problematizing current HRD practice. The book will also appeal to critically reflexive human resource practitioners seeking alternative ways to conceptualise their profession, and to interpret the challenges they are facing in today’s organisations.

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