Dimensions of HRD in Historical Perspective
Werner and DeSimone (2006) described HRD as a function of HRM. (Swanson and Holton n.d)
asserted that it is easy to logically connect the origins of HRD to the history of humankind and
the training required to survive or advance. While HRD is a relatively new term, training—the
largest component of HRD—can be tracked back through the evolution of the human race.
Metcalfe and Rees (2005) also expressed by quoting many studies that HRD is relatively a new
field of academic study and there is no homogeneity in ‘HRD intellectual inquiry and
proliferation of global HRD. Research suggests that we should, at least, be starting to scratch the
surface of the many socio-cultural variations that shape HRD philosophies and practices.