To read this content please select one of the options below:

Talent and analytics: new approaches, higher ROI

Jeanne G. Harris (Executive Research Fellow and Director of Research, based at Accenture Institute for High Performance Business, Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
,
Elizabeth Craig (Research Fellow, based at Accenture Institute for High Performance Business, Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
and
David A. Light (Senior Research Fellow, based at Accenture Institute for High Performance Business, Boston, Massachusetts, USA)

Journal of Business Strategy

ISSN: 0275-6668

Article publication date: 31 October 2011

10659

Abstract

Purpose

More and more, the leaders of business functions are turning for competitive insights to the massive data they can now capture. But to date, human resources departments have lagged behind the efforts of marketing, IT, CRM and other functions. The purpose of this article is to show how executives can start using data to measure and improve HR's contributions to business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The article identifies six analytical tools that HR can use to connect HR efforts to business performance. Survey results underscore the value of an analytical approach while revealing that many HR departments are heavily focused on internal measures rather than business outcomes. Each analytical tool is exemplified through case studies. A model is presented to suggest how executives can get started by focusing on five key areas.

Findings

Leading companies are using six analytical tools to improve the connection between HR investments and business returns: employee databases; segmentation of talent; targeted investments; customization of the employee value proposition; long‐term workforce planning; and talent supply chains.

Originality/value

As the case studies reveal, the tools identified here can help HR leaders actively shape their organization's future – managing talent and directing programs toward the long‐term needs of the business. Survey data shows that most companies increasingly seek to use analytics for long‐term advantage, and the model presented here can help HR executives take the first critical steps.

Keywords

Citation

Harris, J.G., Craig, E. and Light, D.A. (2011), "Talent and analytics: new approaches, higher ROI", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 32 No. 6, pp. 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/02756661111180087

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles