The purpose of this study was to analyze the recognition types and co-orientation between HRD
and lifelong education researchers about the conceptual relationship of HRD and lifelong education
using Q methodology. For the purpose, Q sample was constructed of 30 statements and P sample
was composed of 18 Korean researchers in HRD and lifelong education. Findings of the study
were as follows; First, lifelong education researchers more accurately understood the conceptual
relationship than those of HRD researchers did understand the conceptual relationship. Nevertheless,
the perspective on the conceptual relationship of some of lifelong education researchers were based
on ‘differences’ rather than ‘commonalities’ between two fields. Second, HRD researchers more
deeply perceived there are differences between two fields than those of lifelong education
researchers. In conclusion, the conceptual relationship of HRD and lifelong education are dependent
on how to set the relationship between individual and organization. In addition, different
perspectives on the meaning of leaning in workplace affect on differentiating the conceptual
relationship between two fields. Lastly, workforce development was appreciated as the link between
two fields while critical approach to HRD was not. For further research, analyzing the conceptual
relationship among HRD, workforce development, vocational education and training, and
international comparative research including researchers from U.S. and U.K. were suggested.