Knowledge is frequently described in two forms: 'theoretical' or abstract knowledge, and 'empirical' knowledge which is closer to the notion of understanding or knowing from experience. For example, Schopenhauer's concepts of 'mediate' and empirical knowing are based on this idea (Tyson, 1995). Gibbons et al (1994) similarly described two frameworks for knowledge production: the first is produced by traditional academic means (utilising base academic disciplines and research in universities), whilst the second is applied knowledge - a product of transdisciplinary study and of experience of the interaction between theoretical and practical ideas. One would expect HRM knowledge to be regarded as an applied discipline. But this does not obviate the significance of traditional academic knowledge. Schopenhauer reminds us there is a relationship between mediate and empirical knowing, since all knowledge consists of representations whether directly observed or as observations reflected upon, ie 'representations drawn from representations' (Schopenhauer, 1891). Indeed, Starkes and Tranfield have recently argued that the main goal of management research is to improve the relationship between theory and practice (Starkey and Tranfield, 1998).