Investing in People

In this summary you will learn

• How to analyze and measure crucial areas of human resource practice
• What HR can gain by measuring and analyzing its activities
• Which employees matter most and how to keep them

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Why you should read Investing in People

Human resources managers work hard to create value for their companies. Still, many firms treat HR as a cost center and outsource a number of its processes, such as benefits management, payroll and recruiting. Wayne Cascio and John Boudreau argue that HR managers need to stop trying to sell their functions based on service delivery. Instead, they say, HR should use decision management tools and analytical models to measure and report on its impact as a fiscal and strategic resource. The authors discuss ways to evaluate and manage major areas of HR practice, including absenteeism, hiring, staffing, benefits, work-life balance, training and employee attitude. They also show you how to apply mathematical models by working through real life case studies. getAbstract suggests approaching this book as a practical guide rather than an academic or statistical treatise. While handling the math might be a bit challenging, HR professionals will gain a great deal by becoming more familiar with these evaluation tools.

About the Authors

Wayne F. Cascio teaches at the University of Colorado, Denver and wrote Costing Human Resources, which is considered a classic in its field. John W. Boudreau teaches business at USC, and is recognized as an authority on human capital and competitive advantage.