Exploring Paradigms of Human Resource Development
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EXPLORING PARADIGMS OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT A Dissertation by ANDREW CHRISTOPHER HURT Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY August 2010 Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development EXPLORING PARADIGMS OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT A Dissertation by ANDREW CHRISTOPHER HURT Submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies of Texas A&M University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Approved by: Co-Chairs of Committee, Gary N. McLean Susan A. Lynham Committee Members, Toby M. Egan Manda H. Rosser Head of Department, Fredrick M. Nafukho August 2010 Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development iii ABSTRACT Exploring Paradigms of Human Resource Development. (August 2010) Andrew Christopher Hurt, B.S., Purdue University; M.S., Purdue University Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee: Dr. Gary N. McLean Dr. Susan A. Lynham This study focused on the issue of paradigms in Human Resource Development (HRD). Its purpose was to validate the HRD Cube as a synthesized model of HRD and to explicate some of the extant paradigms of HRD. The study was carried out by examining the text of articles published in Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD)-sponsored journals. Purposeful, stratified, and random sampling was used to select 16 articles published in AHRD-sponsored journals. Articles were treated as if they were the representative voice(s) of their author(s). Data units from within each article were identified and coded using two sequential techniques. First, units were axially coded and sorted into one of seven pre-determined categories based on the axioms of theory, research, and practice. Second, units were open coded using the constant comparative method, and themes and sub-themes were developed. Axial coding results identified a heavy emphasis on practice. The accumulation of units representing research and theory were comparatively smaller. Evidence of shared perspectives was found that emphasized the practice axiom. The accumulation of units emphasized research-practice, followed by theory-practice, and concluded iv with theory-research. Data units were also found that described all three axioms concurrently, theory-research-practice. Open coding results identified representative themes and sub-themes within each of the axiom-based categories of theory, research, and practice. Six themes developed in the theory category, 9 themes and 1 sub-theme developed in the research category, and 6 themes and 10 sub-themes developed in the practice category. The results provide evidence to support the overall construction of the HRD Cube. Theory, research, and practice perspectives of HRD were represented within the 16 articles used. The results also support the components described on each side of the HRD Cube. On the theory side, people, processes, and outcomes, and informing disciplines of HRD, were identified. Post-positive, interpretive, and critical epistemologies were identified on the research side. Individual, group, organizational, national, and global levels were identified on the practice side. Given the initial validation and support of the HRD Cube and of the components described within theory, research, and practice sides, within these 16 articles published in AHRD-sponsored journals, at least 18 prospective paradigms of HRD were identified. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the many individuals who have aided me in this journey. Without their steadfast and dedicated support, I would not have made it to where I am today. I would not have started this journey had it not been for my parents and their unwavering support. They instilled in me, as a child, a value for learning. That value has encouraged me to pursue my education until this point and will continue to motivate me in personal and academic endeavors throughout my life. To my friends and the whole of clan Backlander, thank you for listening and for your constant support. I am sorry you had to put up with me ranting about paradigms for the last five years. I am thankful that you were there to listen. You provided me with a place where I could escape from the trials of doctoral life. Specifically, I want to thank my friends, Dr. Bill Conley and Dr. Aaron Thompson. You supported me during those times of struggle, frustration, and doubt. I count myself exceptionally lucky to have friends like you in my life and would not trade that for the world. I would like sincerely to thank my committee members (past and present) for their support. The time you all have spent on helping me to prepare for and complete this journey has been immense. I truly appreciate all of your efforts. Dr. Homer Tolson helped me to identify what this study was all about, and I appreciate his comments and advice. Dr. Toby Egan and Dr. Manda Rosser provided a wealth of knowledge and expertise throughout this process. I appreciate the time you have both spent on working vi with me throughout the years. Your ability and willingness to adapt during the multiple date and content changes was insurmountably helpful. Thank you. Finally, I would like to thank the co-chairs of my committee, Dr. Gary McLean and Dr. Susan Lynham. You have both spent so much time working with me that I barely know where to begin. Gary, your advice and ideas have significantly shaped this document. Without your wisdom, it would not be half of what it is today. Thank you for all of the long nights, detailed edits, and patience with me as a writer and developing scholar. Sue, you have been my greatest supporter throughout this journey. When I was struggling, your comments and suggestions brought me back. When I was confused or, more to the point, utterly and completely lost, you gave me direction. I truly appreciate all of the phone calls, emails, and face-to-face conversations that we had. They helped me to develop these ideas and to find my path. Without you, this dissertation would not exist as the basis for this entire work lies on your HRD Cube. Thank you. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................ ix LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................... x CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 1 Human Resource Development ..................................................... 2 What is HRD? ............................................................................... 2 Paradigms ...................................................................................... 15 Statement of the Problem .............................................................. 19 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................... 20 Research Questions ....................................................................... 21 Delimitations and Limitations ....................................................... 22 Informing Theoretical Framework ................................................ 25 A Perspective from the Author ...................................................... 26 Chapter Summary of Introduction ................................................. 29 II REVIEW OF LITERATURE ............................................................ 31 Philosophy ..................................................................................... 31 A History of Paradigms ................................................................. 36 HRD Cube ..................................................................................... 60 Chapter Summary of Review of Literature ................................... 72 III METHODOLOGY AND METHODS .............................................. 74 The HRD Cube .............................................................................. 76 Data Selection ............................................................................... 78 Data Collection .............................................................................. 85 Data Analysis ................................................................................ 87 Trustworthiness and Authenticity of the Study ............................. 94 Chapter Summary of Methodology and Methods ......................... 101 viii CHAPTER Page IV RESULTS: ARTICLE DEMOGRAPHICS AND AXIAL CODING ............................................................................................ 103 Article Description Demographics ................................................ 103 Presentation of the Results from the Axial Round of Coding ....... 107 Chapter Summary of Article Demographics and Axial Coding Results ........................................................................................... 111 V RESULTS: OPEN CODING ............................................................. 112 Themes within the Theory Category ............................................. 113 Themes Expressed within the Research Category ........................ 128 Themes Expressed within the Practice Category .........................