Human Resource Development (HRD) can be defined in many ways and continues to be an evolving practice. From an operational perspective, it concerns itself with the development of humans in the work place through the process of learning and change. The focus is on safe, effective and efficient work flow. If we draw a target-like visual, this operational perspective would be in the center circle.
The second circle of the HRD target includes developing human potential. We do this as individuals, among teams, and within organizations. Finding human potential has many facets, and HRD plays a critical role.
The third ring of the target extends to a more wide-spread impact, yet is often not the topic of conversation. HRD helps people understand themselves and the meaningfulness of their work. This often impacts their contribution to their community, society, and to the world. It is believed that HRD is central to achieving economic growth, as well as bringing about social change.
Finally, in the fourth and most outer-ring of our target, HRD connects theory, concepts, and contexts. It reminds us to question everything we have previously believed about adult learning so that we can constantly develop our understanding and redirect our thinking and practices to an evolutionary practice (Gibb, 2011).