Progressing diversity in HRD theory and practice (Guest Editorial)

We were delighted to accept the invitation from Professor Callahan to provide the editorial for this issue, which addresses an important concern for Human Resource Development (HRD): the impact of multidisciplinarity on understandings of diversity and implications for HRD. It has been widely recognized that the field of HRD, which is embedded in the broader management and organization studies (MOS) field, is established on multidisciplinary foundations (Kuchinke, 2001; McLean, 1998). Subsequently, HRD, like MOS, may be seen as rhizomatic (Jackson & Carter, 2007) incorporating further disciplinary influences, including the contestation of concepts and theories and a critique of how and for whom knowledge is constructed (Calás & Smircich, 1999; Ferguson, 1994; Willmott, 1995). The articles in this issue draw upon a range of disciplines to outline how HRD scholarship and practice relating to disability, diversity, gender, immigration, socioeconomic status, and career can be further developed