Research–Practice Gap in Applied Fields: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

Given the growth of the literature addressing the issue of the research–practice gap in human resource development (HRD) and related applied fields, the study provides an integrative review of the literature in the management, applied psychology, and HRD fields. We synthesize the targeted literature across the three fields into seven major themes. Informed by the review, we suggest a comprehensive model of key components of knowledge production in applied fields affecting the interplay between research and practice. We close with discussing the potential actions for HRD scholars and practitioners to facilitate the convergence between research and practice.