Human Resource Development

Citation

Germain, M. (2009), "Human Resource Development", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 33 No. 6, pp. 573-574. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590910974437

1 Book synopsis

The book offers a thorough overview of the current theories and practices in the field of human resource development. The organization of its contents reflects this comprehensive overview. Mankin's book is divided into three parts, each part covering a separate aspect of human resource development. Part one discusses the fundamentals of HRD, that is, its conceptual foundations. This allows the reader to get a better understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. It includes an analysis of the changing external context and the implications of globalization for the practice of HRD. It introduces the concept of national HRD and discusses how HRD has evolved from its roots in training.

Part two focuses on formal interventions: the analysis of needs, the design process, different approaches to delivery and implementation, as well as the options for measuring the effectiveness of interventions. This can be called the “toolbox” of practitioners. Specifically, this part of the book covers the theories of learning from both psychological and sociological perspectives, and a great emphasis is given to the four‐stage HRD cycle (identification of needs, designing the HRD intervention, implementation and evaluation).

Part three of the book illustrates the changing nature and scope of HRD practice. It explores the implications of knowledge management for HRD practitioners (knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer) and the importance of informal workplace learning. This section of the book also covers two often‐overlooked aspects of HRD in the mainstream literature on HRD: the importance of business ethics and corporate social responsibility and the role of HRD in small and medium sized organizations. Finally, the author looks at the importance of continued professional development for employees, managers and HRD practitioners.

2 Evaluation

This book is a human resource development novice's dream. No prerequisite needed, that is, no prior experience or knowledge. It offers an introduction to the main current theories and practices in the field of learning and development. The amalgam of concepts and practical examples provides managers and human resource development practitioners with what they need to know to effectively design, implement and evaluate formal training interventions.

What is unique about Mankin's book is its strong emphasis on global HRD. Many of the case studies and examples of business practice of HRD focus on countries with emerging economies such as India and China. This global angle is one of the book's strengths. Not only does it take into account the increasingly diverse nature of our student population and of our employees, but it also provides an accurate image of the importance of globalization in today's world of business. Another strength of the textbook is its integration of technology. To support the text, there is a range of web‐based content for professors and students. Web links and media‐watch updates are available.

3 In the author's own words

There are some significant differences between US and UK perspectives on HRD that can have implications for how you interpret the role of HRD in an organization. When analyzing and organization (e.g. in a case study) make sure that you differentiate between perspectives rather than simply treat HRD as a universally agreed concept (p. 15).

A About the reviewer

TDr Marie‐Line Germain works as a professor of human resource development at St Thomas University. Her PhD is in Leadership and Education, with a specialization in Human Resource Development. Her research interests include leadership, industrial psychology, and human resource development, with a particular interest in the concept of human expertise. She has authored several research articles presented at national and international conferences and has published a book chapter and research articles in peer‐reviewed journals. She is a current review board member for Career Development International and was on the Journal of International Business Studies’ review board. She is the recipient of several national grants, teaching, and research awards.