
The Mismanagement of Talent
Employability and Jobs in the Knowledge Economy
Oxford University Press
Published on 29. July 2004
Book
Paperback/Softback
288 pages
978-0-19-926954-9 (ISBN)
Description
The knowledge economy conjures a world of smart people, in smart jobs, doing smart things, in smart ways, for smart money, a world increasingly open to all rather than a few. Glossy corporate brochures present a future in challenging, exciting and financially rewarding jobs for the winners in the competition for fast track management appointments. They also convey an image of enlightened employers actively seeking to diversify their talent pool, reflected in their approach to identifying, hiring and retaining outstanding talent.
We are told that the challenge confronting governments around the world is to enhance the employability of the workforce. Every effort must be made to expand access to higher education, dismantle barriers to talent regardless of social circumstances, gender, or skin colour, and to harness human creativity and enterprise to meet the demands of the new economy.
The Mismanagement of Talent comes to a different conclusion. Those leaving the world of mass higher education find themselves in a scramble for jobs with rising stakes for the winners and losers. The Mismanagement of Talent examines what determines the outcome of this race when a degree loses its badge of distinction. It shows how some graduates are playing 'the game' to win a competitive advantage and what really happens in the selection events of leading-edge employers. It also argues that talent is being mismanaged by employers that have yet to come to terms with the realities and possibilities of mass higher education.
The Mismanagement of Talent will be thought-provoking and controversial reading for those involved in the recruitment of graduates, and those concerned with the way knowledge-based firms recruit and the impact of higher education policy:
Professionals working in university careers services, HRM, training, or recruitment generally; Researchers, academics, or students of Business and Management, Human Resource Management, Public Policy, Education, or Sociology; and Job candidates themselves - the 'players' and 'purists' described in the book.
We are told that the challenge confronting governments around the world is to enhance the employability of the workforce. Every effort must be made to expand access to higher education, dismantle barriers to talent regardless of social circumstances, gender, or skin colour, and to harness human creativity and enterprise to meet the demands of the new economy.
The Mismanagement of Talent comes to a different conclusion. Those leaving the world of mass higher education find themselves in a scramble for jobs with rising stakes for the winners and losers. The Mismanagement of Talent examines what determines the outcome of this race when a degree loses its badge of distinction. It shows how some graduates are playing 'the game' to win a competitive advantage and what really happens in the selection events of leading-edge employers. It also argues that talent is being mismanaged by employers that have yet to come to terms with the realities and possibilities of mass higher education.
The Mismanagement of Talent will be thought-provoking and controversial reading for those involved in the recruitment of graduates, and those concerned with the way knowledge-based firms recruit and the impact of higher education policy:
Professionals working in university careers services, HRM, training, or recruitment generally; Researchers, academics, or students of Business and Management, Human Resource Management, Public Policy, Education, or Sociology; and Job candidates themselves - the 'players' and 'purists' described in the book.
Reviews / Votes
The strength of the book is its empirical material in support of insightful critiques of our contemporary economy, job market and recruitment industry.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Academics and graduate students in Business and Management, Human Resource Management, Politics, and Sociology, HRM, training and recruitment professionals, Graduates.
Illustrations
Tables and figures
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
445 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-926954-9 (9780199269549)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Phillip Brown | Anthony Hesketh
The Mismanagement of Talent
Employability and Jobs in the Knowledge Economy
E-Book
07/2004
OUP eBook
€43.49
Available for download

Phillip Brown | Anthony Hesketh | Sarah Williams
The Mismanagement of Talent
Employability and Jobs in the Knowledge Economy
Book
07/2004
Oxford University Press
€97.70
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Phillip Brown is a Professor in the School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University. He is author of a number of books, including High Skills: Globalization, Competitiveness, and Skill Formation (OUP 2001).
Anthony Hesketh is a Lecturer at Lancaster University Management School.
Anthony Hesketh is a Lecturer at Lancaster University Management School.
Author
, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University
, Management School, Lancaster University
Content
1. The Promise ; 2. The New Competition ; 3. What Knowledge Economy? ; 4. War for Talent ; 5. The Science of Gut Feelings ; 6. Players and Purists ; 7. Picking Winners ; 8. The Mismanagement of Talent ; 9. The Great Training Robbery