Mary Parker Follett: A Rediscovered Voice Informing the Field of Human Resource Development

Abstract

Human resource development (HRD) uses a wide variety of theories from multiple disciplines and fields of study to create its own unique field of scholarly practice. As with any field, however, we tend to get comfortable with familiar theories and theorists and fail to explore other possible sources of wisdom. One scholar whose work is worthy of study is Mary Parker Follett. Despite a dormancy of many decades, her thoughts are emerging as contemporary and innovative. This article concludes that Follett is an important influence on the field of HRD, not only because her ideas support concepts similar to other scholars whose work informs HRD but also because she introduces adult learning as paramount for the development of the individual and organization.