This document contains three papers from a symposium on expanding perspectives in human resource development (HRD) research. "The Concept of Culture in International and Comparative HRD Research: Methodological Problems and Possible Solutions" (Alexander Ardichvili, K. Peter Kuchinke) discusses the following topics: (1) alternative approaches to studying culture (models of cross-cultural psychology, constructivist approaches to studying culture); (2) the advantages and shortcomings of postpositivist and constructivist approaches to culture; (3) new directions for international and comparative HRD research; and (4) dealing with the complexity of culture's influence. "Global Change and New Organizational Paradigms: HRD Research Issues" (Reid Bates, Kelli C. Phelan) presents the paradigm of ecologically sustainable organizations and challenges HRD to recognize and respond to a number of important research questions related to human and organizational dimensions in the era of global change. "Expanding Perspectives on HRD Research: Understanding the Foundations of Phenomenology" (Sharon K. Gibson, Lisa A. Hanes) reviews the philosophical foundations of phenomenology; examines how the philosophy of phenomenology translates into a research methodology; explores how the concept of "lifeworld" can be applied to the phenomenological research process, and discusses the outcomes of phenomenology in terms of its contribution to the HRD knowledge base. All three papers include substantial bibliographies. (MN)