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The problem and the solution. The complexity of the domains of human resource development (HRD) requires knowledge of learning theories that can inform the development of HRD theory building, research, and practice. Social learning (cognitive) theory (SLT/SCT) identifies learning as a dynamic interplay between the person, the environment, and behavior. This article explores the elements of SLT/SCT that are most relevant to HRD and identifies theory-building, research, and practice arenas in HRD that have incorporated one or more SLT/SCT propositions. Implications for future HRD theory, research, and practice are proposed. SLT/SCT is shown to have high potential use for HRD due to the comprehensive nature of this theory for explaining learning and behavior.
Keywords: social learning theory; social cognitive theory; human resource development; adult learning; role modeling; self-efficacy
Social learning theory is identified in the adult learning literature as one of five traditional theories of adult learning (Merriam & Caffarella, 1999) and as a metatheory of learning for human resource development (HRD) (Swanson & Holton, 2001). Although there are a variety of theorists using the social learning label, Bandura's (1977, 1986) social learning theory, later renamed social cognitive theory to more accurately reflect its emphasis on both learning and cognition, has been predominant in the adult learning and HRD literature. Bandura's theory provides a robust set of propositions that can be useful in informing HRD theory, research, and practice. Although fields highly related to HRD, such as organizational behavior and management, have extensively used social learning theory in their theory-building and research efforts, HRD as a discipline has just begun to explore the potential breadth of its application to topics and areas of interest to its constituents. The purpose of this article is to examine the application of social learning theory to inform HRD and to discuss implications for its use in HRD theory building, research, and practice.
This article first explores the foundations of social learning theory and reviews major propositions of this theory within the context of adult learning. Because Bandura's (1977, 1986) social learning (cognitive) theory is viewed as providing a broad explanation of the variables that influence adult learning (Merriam & Caffarella, 1999), this article will focus on the application of Bandura's theory to HRD theory building, research, and...