The Future: The Drive for Shareholder Value and Implications for HRD

Abstract

The problem and the solution. Increasing shareholder pressure for short-term profits was identified as the number one business trend affecting the human resource development (HRD) profession during the ASTD/AHRD (Academy of Human Resource Development) future search conference and the issue most in conflict with HRD values. Subsequent events have thrown the concept of managing businesses based solely on shareholder value into a state of flux. This article examines the concept of shareholder value and suggests ways HRD professionals can and must influence the debate.