Exploring human resource development research themes: A keyword network analysis

This study aimed to explore human resource development (HRD) research themes by investigating the relationships among keywords in articles published in the four primary HRD journals between 2010 and 2017. We identified 29 core keywords and then explored the characteristics of these keywords within a keyword network structure. For example, leadership and leadership development were identified as dominant keywords in HRD research. Furthermore, our analysis revealed four cohesive subgroups (i.e., factions) and identified keywords that played "central connector" roles and "boundary spanner" roles, within each subgroup. Specifically, subgroup 1 consisted of keywords connected to leadership and leadership development. Subgroup 2 included keywords related to traditional HRD practices and organizational outcomes, such as training and development and engagement, respectively. Subgroup 3 mostly consisted of keywords pertinent to critical HRD, such as gender and diversity. Subgroup 4 included other emerging keywords including virtual HRD. Through this study, HRD scholars and practitioners may better understand the roles of influential keywords, and their inter-relationships among key research themes in HRD research.