This document consists of two papers on theory building from a conference on human resource development (HRD). Both "Theory Building Research in HRD--Pushing the Envelope!" (Richard A. Swanson, Susan A. Lynham, Wendy E. A. Ruona, Richard J. Torraco) and "The Role of Theory Building in Maturing the Human Resource Development Profession" (Susan A. Lynham) explore the increasing importance of theory building in HRD. As an applied discipline, HRD presents the demand of connecting theory, practice and research. A well-constructed theory gives clarity to the complex phenomena underlying HRD by providing a system for understanding its core ideas and interrelationships. The philosophical framework for HRD consists of the following three components: (1) ontology; (2) epistemology; and (3) axiology which interact to form a guiding framework for a congruent and coherent system of thought and practice. The following five steps: (1) recognize that theory is important to the maturity of HRD thought and practice; (2) commit to multiple theory building research paradigms; (3) conduct rigorous and relevant research to support theory building; (4) support theory building efforts and studies; and (5) participate in symposia and forums to synthesize knowledge and efforts will help to make for more professional and mature thought and practice in HRD. (The papers contain reference sections.) (MN/CG)