BUS603: Managing People

Managers in this interpretive case study described a strong sense of need for Avalon's state government to identify a statewide talent strategy and to align systems and policies that support talent as a strategic resource. Among those mentioned were compensation and classification systems; employee skills, career, and leadership development; and recruitment and retention efforts. Also clearly identified was the need for more transparent and consistently applied HR practices; a stronger relationship between HR and managers in order to support better practices; and increased talent leadership skills development for managers that would allow Avalon's state government to position itself as a desirable employer in a competitive talent market. Based on these findings, I suggest future research in the following areas:

• This case study focused on 12 managers' practices in state government in a Midwestern state. Research on managers' practices and perspectives in additional states would generate understanding of similarities or differences across geographic areas. 
• Understanding the links among talent strategy, managerial practices, and outcomes in state government has not been fully explored. Further studies on effects of managerial engagement in specific value chain activities would help identify the impact and value of differentiated activities. 
• As workplaces increase in generational diversity, research is needed to understand if there are differences in the impact of talent management strategies across generations at work. 
• Integrated talent management suggests whole systems are engaged in promulgating a talent mindset which cascades downward through the organization. I recommend further research to explore how sustainability beyond changes in administrations is achieved in political environments such as state government. 
• Further research is needed to understand how to achieve an integrated approach to talent management in decentralized organizations. I recommend studying how strategy is implemented in a way that supports a single employer message yet provides a consistent employee experience across decentralized systems. 
• Ensuring alignment of management and leadership development is critical to promulgate talent management practices throughout the organization. I encourage research to explore how talent strategy can be translated into management and leadership development programs, practices, and accountability measures.