Differentiating Between Conceptual and Theory Articles: Focus, Goals, and Approaches

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to promote conceptual and theoretical scholarship in human resource development by providing insights and guidance on differences between conceptual and theory articles and when and how to create such scholarship. First, we discuss the role of Human Resource Development Review and conceptual and theory articles in assisting human resource development in developing into a profession and expanding the field. Then, we determine that conceptual and theory articles are non-empirical works that differ from other non-empirical types of articles and from each other. Finally, we describe distinctions between conceptual and theory articles by clarifying their focus and goals and approaches to writing them. We illustrate these distinctions with examples of articles published in Human Resource Development Review. The article concludes with a discussion and implications for the field, the journal editors, and researchers.

Interorganizational Learning: A Conceptualization of Public-Private Learning Communities

“…As conceptual papers are “a step in the process of building theory, providing a bridge to practitioners and broadening our ability to think, design, and have a meaningful impact on the field” (Rocco et al, 2022), we proposed a framework for PPLCs as a means to address the rapidly changing landscape of work and the transformation of the HRD discipline (Brandhorst et al, 2023; Schruijer, 2021; Scully-Russ & Torraco, 2020). We argued that the recent technological and societal developments (e.g., the energy transition) place increasing emphasis on new models of workplace learning in public-private arrangements, which fundamentally change the role of HRD professionals in terms of designing and implementing new learning ecosystems that focus on the continuous improvement of employees’ skills and work performance (Pereira et al, 2022; Scully-Russ & Torraco, 2020; Seeg et al, 2022).…”

“…First, with our conceptual paper, we aim to generate new ideas and to provide a foundation for empirical studies and theory development in the HRD discipline on learning in public-private arrangements (Rocco et al, 2022). More specifically, with our PPLC framework we propose an adaptive and innovative form of workplace learning that exceeds the boundaries of one’s own organization (Scully-Russ & Torraco, 2020) and thereby expands the perspective of the HRD literature on learning beyond the organizational level (London, 2022).…”

“…This research agenda was proposed in the context of emerging network structures of the platform economy arguing that “the discipline of HRD must expand its knowledge and practices to look beyond the idealized organization template that emphasizes the experience of firms to examine the experience of workers as they engage in work outside the traditional boundaries of a job” (Scully-Russ & Torraco, 2020, p. 67). One of the ways in which the HRD field could expand its knowledge and practices, is through conceptual papers that contribute to the “process of building theory, providing a bridge to practitioners and broadening our ability to think, design, and have a meaningful impact on the field” (Rocco et al, 2022, p. 115).…”

Conducting and Writing a Structured Literature Review in Human Resource Development

“…An SLR provides an understanding of a topic and, potentially, is the initial step in theory development. Findings could provide ideas for further development of an issue leading to one or more conceptual paper(s) that suggest a model or a typology (Rocco et al, 2022). Also, an SLR could be used to enhance and sharpen HRD’s connections to both established and emerging areas of practice and research previously un- or underexplored in the field.…”

“…Literature reviews can be a useful tool in the development and advancement of theory representing the first step in theory development models (Callahan, 2014; Rocco et al, 2022; Snyder, 2019). Four types of reviews—the SLR, meta-analysis, scoping review, and integrative literature review—involve an analysis of literature for the purpose of synthesizing the literature and generating new insights.…”