Chore to Champions

the making of better people managers

Tamkin P, Hirsh W, Tyers C | Report 389 | Institute for Employment Studies | Apr 2003

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The issue of how managers deal with the 'people bit' of their jobs is one of the biggest challenges facing organisations and the managers who work for them. This report reviews how some organisations approach the improvement of people management skills, from the perspective of HR managers, line managers, employees and also some providers of management development services.

IES conducted case study research with the above groups to obtain their perspectives on people management. The report identifies the key challenges for managers, some of the barriers to effective people management, and the key role of organisational culture in creating a healthy environment for management development. Overall, the research shows that encouraging, developing, and extending good people management skills in the wider population of managers remains a key concern for many organisations.