Understanding the Corporate University phenomenon: A human capital theory perspective

Corporate Universities (CU) have become a global phenomenon in organisations. This study investigated the CU phenomenon through the lens of human capital theory. Combined with a reflexive approach, we conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of literatures in economics and Human Resource Development (HRD). We found that, different from existing CU literature, as a HRD operational entity, the CU and the traditional university were rooted in different skills contexts. Theorising the CU phenomenon is to theorise HRD. We further explored an alternative model to understand the CU phenomenon. Implications for HRD research were also discussed.