Current themes in organizational design: implications for human resource development

Examines current themes in organizational design which permeate the extant literature and highlights possible implications for human resource development (HRD). Highlights key factors forcing change and innovation in organization design, namely competition, the need for flexibility and the ability to meet the demands of the new knowledge workforce. Presents and evaluates organizational responses in the form of TQM, employee empowerment, structural de‐layering, competitive cultures and high performance work design. Finally, discusses possible implications for HRD and the HRD specialist, emphasizing the need for a rethink of the nature of learning in organizations.