What does caring HRD look like in practice? A case study of two social enterprises in Brazil

Caring Human Resource Development (HRD) in practice involves a reciprocal, systemic approach that integrates moral values into an organization's mission, culture, and processes. This study, conducted through qualitative interviews and documentation analysis of two social enterprises near Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil, reveals that such an approach is particularly relevant for organizations operating in complex, collaborative social contexts. Unlike previous research focusing solely on leaders' behaviors towards employees, this work expands the scope of care interventions to encompass the entire organizational system, including its environment and surrounding community. The findings underscore the importance of ethical care as a guiding normative for HRD, offering practical strategies that address societal challenges such as inequality, systemic racism, and environmental degradation.

Rodriguez, A. C., Lobo, D., Ardichvili, A. A., & Pereira de Castro Casa Nova, S. (2023). What does caring HRD look like in practice? A case study of two social enterprises in Brazil. Human Resource Development International, 26(5), 500–520. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2022.2160886