This phenomenological study explores critical issues related to participation in human resource development (HRD) interventions. Specifically focusing on master of business administration (M.B.A.) training programs in China, we conducted in-depth individual interviews with twelve middle-level managers to understand their perceptions and experience of this academic program during the country's recent transitional period. The findings suggest that HRD participation in a specific transitioning cultural context may present features that have not been explored by previous learning participation studies in either HRD or adult education. In the light of the transitioning nature of the Chinese cultural context, we derived three propositions for future research on HRD learning participation. Practical implications for learning participation are also drawn based on the results of the study.