In some organizations, training is a stand-alone function or department. In most organizations, however, training or human resource development is part of a larger human resource management department. Human resource management is the selection and utilization of employees to best achieve the goals of an organization. Some organizations have a centralized HRM department with highly specialized staff, but in other organizations, the HRM function is decentralized and conducted throughout the organization.

Human resource development activities are intended to ensure that organizational members have the skills or competencies to meet current and future job demands. HRD managers and staff must exert as much influence as possible to ensure that organizational members have the competencies to meet current and future job demands. At times this may require some type of intervention to achieve a greater amount of understanding across an organization.