Human resource development and inter-organizational networks a theoretical framework

Abstract

This paper took a Human Resource Development perspective to propose a framework for building inter-organizational networks. Recent work in Human Resource Development has proposed this perspective for adoption by organizations to enhance workforce development. The pa per has based its argument on the learning paradigm of HRD to develop a multidisciplinary based and integrated framework for theory building and empirical work. The paper explored several dimensions of learning to highlight the relevant performance areas through which the networks can be established as facilitated by issues connected with knowledge management. The multidisciplinary model proposed has underscored the role of the defining characteristics of HRD that require the input of concepts from the Resource Based Theory, The Institutional Theory, The Resource Dependence Theory, Organization Theory and Strategic Management Literatures. Seven propositions are made from this framework based on the multidisciplinary literature.