Skip to main content

Reconceptualizing Human Capital Theory: Working and Relating on the Global Stage

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Human Resource Development

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to reconceptualize Human Capital Theory (HCT) with an eye on how imperialist notions of capital diminish or overlook valuable forms of knowing and relating and to discuss its impact on working on the global stage. The chapter presents a review of the normative conceptualization of HCT followed by a reconceptualization of HCT within the context of the moral economy driven by values of mutuality, human agency, dignity, and multiple culturally informed approaches. The chapter continues with a discussion of working and relating in the global context and concludes with a call to action for human resource development practitioners and researchers whose work is informed by reconceptualized HCT values. This could include being conscious of how HCT has contributed to systems of oppression, embracing intersectionality, and seeking out counter-narratives in the workplace.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria Cseh .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Cseh, M., Crocco, O.S., Hinshaw, J. (2023). Reconceptualizing Human Capital Theory: Working and Relating on the Global Stage. In: Collins, J.C., Callahan, J.L. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Human Resource Development. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10453-4_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics