Next Steps: Valuing,Supporting,and Promoting the Intersection of HRD Theory and Practice

Abstract

The Problem

The need to apply theory and research to practice has been expressed and argued for in the field of human resource development (HRD) and organization development for over two decades. The field of human resource development has sought to address this issue since the mid-2000s, yet not enough progress has been made.

The Solution

This article highlights some of the fundamental barriers that have led to low levels of scholar-practitioner collaboration. Successful models used by other professional organizations and publications to overcome the theory–practice gap will be presented. Their process of integrating traditional scholarship with practitioner applications are described, along with other recommendations for creating borderlands where both HRD scholars and practitioners work together to solve workplace and society problems.

The Stakeholders

There are many stakeholders who would benefit from and can actively participate in increasing collaborations between scholars and practitioners. These include traditional academic scholars, consultants, and professionals in businesses, government, schools, and health care.