The Model of Antecedents and Consequences of National Human Resources Development; A Meta-Study Approach

National human resource development is a vital approach within the broader concept of human resources development. It aims to enhance the knowledge and skills necessary for economic, social, and political growth, providing opportunities to create a better society for its citizens. Research in this field has often approached this concept in a fragmented manner. The present study seeks to construct an integrated and coherent model in this domain.

A qualitative approach based on meta-study principles was employed. Meta-study is a systematic method for collecting and analyzing qualitative research findings, emphasizing interpretation over data reduction. The review and selection of primary research for this meta-study were conducted using the structural literature review method. The meta-study encompassed four stages, including meta-method analysis, meta-theory analysis, meta-data analysis, and meta-synthesis analysis. Following data extraction, meta-method analysis was employed to review and evaluate the research designs and methods used in the field studies, assessing their impact on study findings and outcomes. An integrative approach was employed to develop a novel theory for national human resource development. Meta-data analysis was performed using Clark and Brown's six-stage thematic analysis, and the meta-synthesis process linked interpretations obtained from meta-analysis, meta-data, and meta-theories.

This meta-study aimed to identify the factors influencing national human resource development, including the national capacities required for its development, interventions to enhance national human resources, and the consequences of such development.

The key findings from primary research reports have been synthesized into an integrated and coherent model. This research contributes a model to the field of national human resource development, which suggests that both meta-national and national factors impact a country's national human resource development capacities. The development of national human resources necessitates financial, industrial, and educational capabilities. Interventions in national human resource development depend on these capacities and include policy-making, legislation, planning, and action at various stages of citizens' lives. Effective population management is a prerequisite for addressing other intervention areas. Specific intervention areas for each life stage have been identified. Finally, outcomes of national human resource development are categorized into three dimensions: outputs, outcomes, and effects.