National human resource development in a transitioning society: The case of Cambodia

The purpose of this inquiry is to provide an in-depth analysis of the needs, strategies, practices, goals, and challenges pertinent to national human resource development (NHRD) in the transitioning society of Cambodia. Building on the foundations provided by Harbison and Myers’ seminar NHRD model and, more recently, Paprock’s framework, this paper offers: (a) a description of the historical context in which human resource development (HRD) is embedded-the political, sociocultural, and economic past, respectively; (b) an overview of the country’s transitional context; (c) an examination of its current HRD environment-the prevailing political and economic structures, HRD-related problems and issues, formal education systems, and incentives for and the allocation of strategic human capital; (d) a discussion of HRD in the country-how it is perceived and its necessary goals and components; and (e) the implications for HRD strategy.