Although it has a long and rich history, HRD has emerged only recently as a distinct discipline and field of practice. This book provides an review and synthesis of how many fields (psychology, economics, systems theory, and others) have contributed to the development of HRD. In so doing it details how these fields, along with a growing body of research, have contributed to the development of the theoretical and philosophical foundations and HRDs emergence as a unique discipline. This is not a quick "how-to" book but rather a scholarly examination of the core beliefs, values, worldview, and principles that are the framework for HRD. It will be of primary interest to academics, scholars, and researchers. It also offers reflective practitioners the opportunity to re-examine the beliefs, values, and approaches that guide their work. The book is logically organized, well written, and replete with diagrams, models, and graphics that illustrate and clarify key concepts. Sure to become a classic text and reference, I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks to develop a deeper understanding of Human Resource Development.

尽管人力资源开发有着悠久而丰富的历史，但它只是最近才作为一门独特的学科和实践领域出现。这本书提供了多少领域（心理学，经济学，系统理论和其他）有助于人力资源开发的回顾和综合。在这样做的过程中，它详细说明了这些领域以及越来越多的研究如何为理论和哲学基础的发展以及人力资源开发作为一门独特学科的出现做出了贡献。这不是一本快速的“操作”书，而是对人力资源开发框架的核心信念、价值观、世界观和原则的学术研究。这将是学术界、学者和研究人员的主要兴趣所在。它还为反思性从业者提供了重新审视指导他们工作的信念、价值观和方法的机会。这本书逻辑性很强，写得很好，充满了图表、模型和图形，可以说明和澄清关键概念。肯定会成为一个经典的文本和参考，我强烈推荐给任何试图对人力资源开发有更深理解的人。