Robert Owen: a historiographic study of a pioneer of human resource development

Robert Owen, a 19th-century Welsh industrialist and reformer, is recognized as a pioneer of human resource development (HRD) through his groundbreaking ideals and workplace innovations. His experiments at New Lanark and the subsequent failure in New Harmony, Indiana, reveal how economic, political, and societal contexts shaped his approach to workforce management, education, and community development. These themes provide historical evidence linking early HRD concepts to modern practices, emphasizing the importance of humane work environments and social responsibility. The study employs historiography to bridge historical figures with contemporary HRD research, offering a foundational narrative for the discipline's identity.

Hatcher, T. (2013). Robert Owen: a historiographic study of a pioneer of human resource development. European Journal of Training and Development, 37(4), 414–431. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090591311319799