Howard Thomas is Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University. Professor Thomas is internationally recognised as a leading expert in the field of strategic management. He is the author, co-author or editor of many acclaimed management books, including the Handbook of Strategy and Management (2001), Strategy: Analysis and Practice (2005) and Strategic Leadership in the Business School (Cambridge, 2011). Richard R. Smith is a Senior Lecturer at Singapore Management University in the areas of global business and human capital. He is also a retired partner from Accenture where he led the global Leadership Effectiveness practice. Professor Smith has more than 25 years of experience in organization strategy, change management and human capital leadership. Fermin Diez is an Adjunct Professor at Singapore Management University and is also a Senior Partner and Head of Talent Consulting for Mercer in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. He has over 30 years of experience in HR and consulting as well as corporate roles in Asia, Australia, Latin America and the USA.

'This is an important book for all executives and managers who want to know how to help improve company results through people. Many CEOs put people at the top of their agendas, but are often not sure what to ask of their HR functions. This book uncovers some HR practices that link to business strategy and builds the foundation for truly turning people into the company's most valuable asset. Thomas, Smith and Diez forge ahead with a framework and methodologies rooted in academic research yet tested in real-life situations through seminal consulting work. With the insights gained from reading these pages, people managers and HR practitioners can improve the execution of business strategy and gain lasting competitive advantage.' Orlando D. Ashford, President, Talent Business Segment, Mercer

• Foreword; 1. Introduction; 2. Culture; 3. Leadership; 4. Structure; 5. Talent management; 6. Human capital metrics; 7. Change management; 8. Conclusion; Index.

Howard Thomas is Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University. Professor Thomas is internationally recognised as a leading expert in the field of strategic management. He is the author, co-author or editor of many acclaimed management books, including the Handbook of Strategy and Management (2001), Strategy: Analysis and Practice (2005) and Strategic Leadership in the Business School (Cambridge, 2011). Richard R. Smith is a Senior Lecturer at Singapore Management University in the areas of global business and human capital. He is also a retired partner from Accenture where he led the global Leadership Effectiveness practice. Professor Smith has more than 25 years of experience in organization strategy, change management and human capital leadership. Fermin Diez is an Adjunct Professor at Singapore Management University and is also a Senior Partner and Head of Talent Consulting for Mercer in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. He has over 30 years of experience in HR and consulting as well as corporate roles in Asia, Australia, Latin America and the USA.

'This is an important book for all executives and managers who want to know how to help improve company results through people. Many CEOs put people at the top of their agendas, but are often not sure what to ask of their HR functions. This book uncovers some HR practices that link to business strategy and builds the foundation for truly turning people into the company's most valuable asset. Thomas, Smith and Diez forge ahead with a framework and methodologies rooted in academic research yet tested in real-life situations through seminal consulting work. With the insights gained from reading these pages, people managers and HR practitioners can improve the execution of business strategy and gain lasting competitive advantage.' Orlando D. Ashford, President, Talent Business Segment, Mercer

• Foreword; 1. Introduction; 2. Culture; 3. Leadership; 4. Structure; 5. Talent management; 6. Human capital metrics; 7. Change management; 8. Conclusion; Index.

Howard Thomas is Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University. Professor Thomas is internationally recognised as a leading expert in the field of strategic management. He is the author, co-author or editor of many acclaimed management books, including the Handbook of Strategy and Management (2001), Strategy: Analysis and Practice (2005) and Strategic Leadership in the Business School (Cambridge, 2011). Richard R. Smith is a Senior Lecturer at Singapore Management University in the areas of global business and human capital. He is also a retired partner from Accenture where he led the global Leadership Effectiveness practice. Professor Smith has more than 25 years of experience in organization strategy, change management and human capital leadership. Fermin Diez is an Adjunct Professor at Singapore Management University and is also a Senior Partner and Head of Talent Consulting for Mercer in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. He has over 30 years of experience in HR and consulting as well as corporate roles in Asia, Australia, Latin America and the USA.

'This is an important book for all executives and managers who want to know how to help improve company results through people. Many CEOs put people at the top of their agendas, but are often not sure what to ask of their HR functions. This book uncovers some HR practices that link to business strategy and builds the foundation for truly turning people into the company's most valuable asset. Thomas, Smith and Diez forge ahead with a framework and methodologies rooted in academic research yet tested in real-life situations through seminal consulting work. With the insights gained from reading these pages, people managers and HR practitioners can improve the execution of business strategy and gain lasting competitive advantage.' Orlando D. Ashford, President, Talent Business Segment, Mercer

• Foreword; 1. Introduction; 2. Culture; 3. Leadership; 4. Structure; 5. Talent management; 6. Human capital metrics; 7. Change management; 8. Conclusion; Index.