Exploring the Emergence of Virtual Human Resource Development

Abstract

Technology is permeating our personal and professional lives and is having an enormous impact on the field of human resource development (HRD). Given the growing interest that scholars have had for integrating technology into HRD practice and research, Virtual HRD (VHRD) has emerged as a new area of inquiry in the field of HRD. This article begins by defining and exploring the emergence of the construct of VHRD. It reviews the evolution of technology from the inception of the Academy of Human Resource Development and integrates selected literature that supports the emergence of VHRD in the field of HRD to include sophisticated, immersive environments appropriate for HRD practice. This article then introduces the contents of this special issue and articulates the four-part format that will be used to do so. Lastly, a summary is provided that serves as a call to action for HRD scholars and practitioners to more thoughtfully consider the impact of VHRD on the future of the HRD field, to disseminate the accumulated research that has been done thus far, as well as to promote awareness of VHRD as a compelling HRD construct before other fields lay claim to this territory and obfuscate the contributions that have already been made toward understanding, defining, and researching this emergent construct.