Human Capital: What It Is and Why People Invest It (The Jossey-Bass Business & Management Series) (Hardcover)

by Thomas O. Davenport (Author) "As stressful as today's workplace has become, most of us do not have to worry about being eaten alive by rats..." (more)
Key Phrases: intrinsic job fulfillment, telemedia managers, human capital investors, Towers Perrin, Perpetual Petals, Workplace Index (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The notion of the employee as investor represents a major paradigm shift from a top-down, care-and-feeding management orientation to one where the employee-investor is an equal partner in the management equation. I find Davenport's perspective to be highly relevant in today's business and workplace environments." (Andy Rich, executive vice president of human resources, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.)

"The new reality of tighter labor markets has fundamentally changed the landscape of employee management. Successful companies are finding that employee knowledge is the key source of competitive advantage. Tom Davenport offers an engaging roadmap for effective management in this challenging new context." (Peter Cappelli, director, Center for Human Resources, Wharton School of Business)

Product Description

No longer mere company "assets," today's in-demand workers have become free agents who can and do invest their ability, behavior, and energy-their human capital-in the companies of their choice. And the companies they choose, the companies that will win in the marketplace, will be the ones that know how to create and deliver the best return on that investment. In this book, author Thomas O. Davenport explores the dynamics of this emerging workplace phenomenon and describes specific strategies that companies and workers can use to build mutually beneficial relationships in the new knowledge economy.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1St Edition edition (March 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787940151
• ISBN-13: 978-0787940157
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #977,890 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Business Book with Brains (and Heart and Soul), April 13, 1999

By A Customer

As an avid reader of business books and a management consultant myself, I cannot say enough good things about this deceptively straightforward, yet truly great book. Davenport does what other business authors do not typically set out to do: he engages both your mind and your heart. Through the use of metaphors, stories, and real-life case examples, he outlines a sound conceptual framework for understanding employees as investors. Without resorting to glib cliches and "soft-headed" truisims, he builds a logical and convincing case that outlines how any organization interested in greatness can unleash the potential that resides in every employee. By conveying a deep and profound respect for the power and talent of people, he challenges the "architects" and leaders of organizations to create environments that will bring out the best in everybody. By emphasizing the reciprocity of the employee-employer relationship, he shows us how any organization can create and deliver a deal(or deals)that will attract, retain, and motivate the best talent available.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Analysis, October 19, 2000

By	Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Actually, if you are interested in this subject, there are at least four books to read: this one, Fitz-enz's The ROI of Human Capital, and two different books with the same title, Intellectual Capital, by Annie Brooking and Tom Stewart. So often, we hear someone say that "Our most valuable assets walk out the door at the end of each day." That's true. But what does it really mean when assigning value to human "assets"? Davenport has written a very solid book (I'm NOT damning with faint praise), one which I strongly recommend. Given the importance of this subject, I again suggest reading at least the four books previously identified. Who knows? Davenport may be, in your considered opinion, the most hepful. He has a sharp mind. He writes very well indeed. His observations and suggestions are rock-solid. (Chapter Nine all by itself is well worth the cost of the book.) My initial rating of his book was Four Stars but as I began to formulate my thoughts which comprise this brief commentary, I've changed my mind. When transmitting to the Amazonians, I shall increase that rating to Five Stars. How valuable this book is to you is a determination only you can make. One final point: For the cost of only one hour of my time as an independent management consultant, you can purchase at least four books on this critically important subject. If that isn't great value, I really don't know what is.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent summary of critical human capital investor issues, August 13, 1999

By A Customer

This book is a valuable and well-written summary of key elements in the equation of how to entice employees - human capital investors - to invest in your enterprise to the benefit of both parties. It pulls together in one book, and one coherent framework, lots of valuable concepts. It is also full of practical ideas on how to implement those concepts. It's worth reading for those who are interested in leading people effectively.