How can we bridge the research-practice gap? Let’s hear from HR practitioners!

Abstract

The research-practice gap (the gap) is the discrepancy between research findings and their practical applications. It has long been a critical issue in human resource development (HRD), which aims to enhance organisational performance through workforce learning and development at the individual, team, and organisational levels. In response to the pressing need to transform HRD by bridging the gap between research and practice, we took an approach to hearing from HR practitioners to better understand their perspective of the gap. We examined what workplace challenges HR practitioners face, what resources they use to solve those challenges, and how they perceive academic research in shaping solutions. Collecting data from interviews with 18 HR practitioners and 73 survey responses, we present three key themes: HR practitioners’ workplace challenges, resources for solutions, and perceptions of research. This study contributes to bridging the gap from the perspective of HR practitioners towards the transformation of HRD and provides implications for HRD research and practice.

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