ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the scope of the Human Resource Development (HRD) processes and activities and discusses concepts of Human Capital (HC) and Human Capital Development (HCD). It then explains why it is especially important to consider concepts of the HC and the HCD in a study of HRD in Russia. The HC can be studied at three levels: human capital of individuals, human capital of organizations, and human capital of whole countries and societies. The chapter investigates emergence and growth of HRD and HCD systems by using the institutional theory as a foundation. It presents an analytical framework, using ideas from economic, sociological, and organizational institutional theories. The chapter provides a brief overview of the data collection and analysis approaches. Traditionally, data sources for studies of institutions included archival and current documentation obtained directly from organizations, government records and reports, and published sources.
