The purpose of this study was to critically review the assumptions underpinning the concept and the
practice of human resource development (HRD) for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focusing on
scholarly articles in Korea. Considering the purpose of the study, the researcher constructed the conceptual
model as to the context, approaches, and methods of HRD for SMEs from Stewart & Beaver (2004).
Drawing upon the critical review on HRD for SMEs, six propositions were suggested. According to
Proposition 1, the level of analysis in articles on HRD for SMEs does not appropriately reflect the
organizational characteristics of SMEs. According to Proposition 2, HRD for SMEs has been positioned
within human resource management, which has consolidated the tendency of equalizing HRD and training
and development. Proposition 3 states that the training-centered approaches to HRD for SMEs have
contributed to narrowing down the research focus to proving the positive effect of training on improving
individual and organizational performance. Proposition 4posits that articles on HRD for SMEs characterized
the HRD practices of SMEs as “lacks,” and subsequently naturalized the external assistance from government
policy. According to Proposition 5, the value of informal learning in SMEs is embodied through on-the-job
training (OJT) and learning organization initiatives, which should focus more on the positive aspects of
SMEs’ organizational features. Finally, Proposition 6 states that research on HRD for SMEs needs to
approach the HRD practice through a more firm-specific method, rather than through a standardized one.
These propositions are the starting point to advance the construction of alternative conceptualizations and
practices of HRD for SMEs, which normalize disclosure and oppose the dominant points of view on HRD
for SMEs.