Home > News > October 2006 > 26 October 2006

CIPD publishes talent management report

CIPD research shows 94% of respondents believe that well-designed talent management development activities can have a positive impact on an organisation's bottom line. But employers must link their talent management strategy to the needs of the business and define what talent management means to their organisation according to a new report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Rebecca Clake, organisation and resourcing adviser, said: "Talent management is not just about identifying future leaders or developing senior employees, there are also the key operational and technical roles that need to be considered if organisations are to succeed.

"The challenge for HR professionals is to define what talent is in their organisation and then look for the best ways to identify, retain, develop and deploy this talent."

The new report, 'Talent management: understanding the dimensions', was launched at this week's CIPD annual conference and exhibition.

Talent management strategies will vary depending on the goals of the organisation but CIPD research found that developing high-potential individuals (67%) and growing future senior managers (62%) are two of the main objectives for talent management activities.

Victoria Winkler, CIPD learning, training and development adviser, said: "Research shows managerial and professional vacancies are often difficult to fill externally so it makes sense to look for internal candidates that demonstrate potential to grow. Good talent management systems can help identify and prepare these potential candidates.

"HR should measure what works by tracking information about where employees come from, their successes as well as any problems, and the techniques used to fast-track these individuals.

"Talent management strategies will alter over time to reflect changing business objectives but must also take into account external issues such as the changing demographics of the workforce."

A more detailed report, containing nine case studies, will be published later this year. The CIPD says it will investigate the strategic and operational issues of talent management following interviews with senior managers, HR directors and managers, talent managers, line managers, and those identified as 'talent' and will tackle the following:

• What is the meaning and nature of talent management in particular organisational contexts?
• What are the key challenges faced by organisations in their approach to talent management, and how can these be overcome?
• What are the measures of success for talent management initiatives for both the management of the organisation and its employees?

According to the CIPD's 2006 learning and development survey published earlier this year:

• 60% of organisations have no formal talent management strategy
• 51% of respondents undertake talent management activities, although only 20% report having a formal definition for it
• 47% agree there is currently a shortage of high-quality talent in UK organisations
• In-house development programmes, coaching and succession planning are the most common activities

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