The Use of Research Syntheses and Nomological Networks to Develop HRD Theory

Abstract

The Problem

Research syntheses are rarely used in the field of human resource development (HRD). There are notable exceptions, but our search of the related literature found relatively few instances where procedures like meta-analyses are used to advance theory and empirically informed practice.

The Solution

To address this gap, this article provides a broad overview of different techniques for synthesizing literature. The article describes how research syntheses can be used to inform theory development; this is done via the description of a construct called nomological network. Such a network can be thought of as kind of minitheory, which is derived from the theoretical relationships among key constructs.

The Stakeholders

Readers interested in developing empirically informed HRD theory and practice should benefit from a description of how research syntheses can inform their work.