Competencies Needed by Korean HRD Master's Graduates: A Comparison between the ASTD WLP Competency Model and the Korean Study

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to identify competencies needed by current human resource development (HRD) master's degree graduate students in Korea. The study used a quantitative method, the Delphi technique, in combination with a qualitative method consisting of a series of in-depth interviews. The Delphi technique was conducted using a survey questionnaire instrument based on a list of competencies analyzed by means of median scores and standard deviation that was developed for the ASTD study. The in-depth interviews were conducted with the Delphi panelists. The study found that both faculty and professional respondents rated all the ASTD competencies as quite important, and there were considerable gaps between the importance and expertise level of each competency for Korean HRD master's graduates. In the qualitative portion of the study, respondents suggested several additional competencies that were relevant to the Korean cultural context.