Now or Never

This chapter explores the ongoing lack of consensus regarding the definition, scope, and boundaries of Human Resource Development (HRD). Unlike other disciplines with clearly defined parameters, it emphasizes the urgent need for HRD scholars, especially leading figures, to collaborate in establishing a unified definition of HRD. The author argues that such a consensus would offer crucial guidance for HRD doctoral students and emerging scholars, thereby enhancing research efforts and fostering a deeper understanding of HRD within the broader academic context. Considering these challenges, the author urges the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) to lead a collaborative initiative involving distinguished HRD scholars in meaningful dialogue to achieve a comprehensive agreement on the field's scope and boundaries. This unified definition could address some of the challenges HRD scholars face, enrich the field's intellectual foundation, and advance HRD's pursuit of accreditation, recognition, and respect alongside other well-established disciplines.