Clear, concise video explanations of essential HR theories and models. Build your theoretical knowledge for CIPD assignments with our comprehensive library.
3-7 minute videos that explain complex theories clearly and memorably
Videos tagged with relevant CIPD units so you find the right theories quickly
New theory videos added regularly based on student needs
Explore 42+ HR theory videos organised by category. Subscribe to access the full library with unlimited viewing.
J. Stacy Adams
Explains how employees compare their inputs and outputs to others to determine fairness in the workplace.
Frederick Herzberg
Distinguishes between hygiene factors that prevent dissatisfaction and motivators that drive engagement.
Abraham Maslow
A five-tier pyramid of human needs from basic physiological to self-actualisation.
Victor Vroom
Motivation depends on expectancy, instrumentality, and valence of outcomes.
David McClelland
Achievement, affiliation, and power as core drivers of workplace motivation.
Daniel Pink
Autonomy, mastery, and purpose as the three pillars of intrinsic motivation.
David Rock
Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness in workplace behaviour.
Clayton Alderfer
Existence, Relatedness, and Growth needs as a simplified hierarchy.
Edward Deci & Richard Ryan
Autonomy, competence, and relatedness as foundations of intrinsic motivation.
Denise Rousseau
The unwritten expectations between employer and employee beyond the formal contract.
HR Framework
Key stages from attraction and recruitment through to exit and alumni.
John Kotter
Eight sequential steps for implementing successful organisational change.
Kurt Lewin
The classic unfreeze-change-refreeze model for managing organisational transitions.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
The emotional stages people experience during organisational change.
Tannenbaum & Hanna
Personal transition stages during organisational change processes.
Sabina Spencer & John Adams
Seven emotional stages individuals experience during significant change.
Jeff Hiatt
Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement for individual change.
Donald Kirkpatrick
Evaluates training effectiveness across reaction, learning, behaviour, and results.
Peter Senge
Five disciplines that enable organisations to continuously learn and adapt.
McCall, Lombardo & Eichinger
Learning split: 70% experience, 20% social, 10% formal training.
Raymond Katzell
Framework linking personal and situational factors to work motivation.
Robert Brinkerhoff
Evaluating training impact by studying most and least successful cases.
David Kolb
Four-stage cycle: experience, reflection, conceptualisation, experimentation.
Edgar Schein
Three levels of organisational culture: artefacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions.
Charles Handy
Four culture types: Power, Role, Task, and Person cultures in organisations.
Geert Hofstede
Six dimensions for understanding cultural differences in global organisations.
McKinsey & Company
Seven interconnected elements for organisational effectiveness and alignment.
Larry Greiner
Stages of organisational growth and the crises that trigger evolution.
Michael Porter
Analyses competitive forces that shape industry strategy and profitability.
Igor Ansoff
Four growth strategies: market penetration, development, product development, diversification.
Edward de Bono
Six perspectives for structured group thinking and decision making.
Herbert Simon
How cognitive limitations affect rational decision-making in organisations.
Meredith Belbin
Nine team roles that contribute to effective team performance and balance.
Bruce Tuckman
Forming, storming, norming, performing stages of team development.
Graham Gibbs
Six-stage cycle for structured reflection on learning experiences.
Donald Schön
Reflection-in-action and reflection-on-action for professional development.
Elton Mayo
The importance of social factors and employee wellbeing in productivity.
Frederick Winslow Taylor
Systematic approach to improving worker efficiency through task analysis.
Douglas McGregor
Contrasting assumptions about employee motivation and management style.
John Atkinson
Core and peripheral workforce segments for organisational flexibility.
Martin Seligman
Five elements of wellbeing: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment.
Appelbaum, Bailey, Berg & Kalleberg
Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity as drivers of employee performance.
Get unlimited access to all 42+ HR model videos, plus assignment writing tools, AI feedback, and comprehensive study guides.
Start Your Free Trial