Exploring employer behaviour in relation to Investors in People – Executive summary
Exploring Employer Behaviour in Relation to Investors in People attempts to develop a deeper understanding of the Investors in People product and service offering from the perspective of employers. The research comprised a series of in-depth, qualitative interviews with employers who have enjoyed continued success with the Standard, as well as those employers who have either committed or accredited to the Standard, but who have subsequently withdrawn from the Investors in People customer journey.
Exploring Employer Behaviour in relation to Investors in People: Executive summary (PDF, 242 Kb)
Published June 2011
Key findings include:
- Investors in People was more likely to be seen as a business improvement tool among Human Resources (HR) staff, whereas senior managers tended to view the Standard as a more narrowly-focussed framework for HR colleagues.
- The HR function tended to recommend, own and lead Investors in People accreditation, but senior managers, directors or the chief executive tended to make the final decision about whether to (re)accredit.
- Long-term accredited organisations understood the purpose of Investors in People and used the Standard to manage change, reflective of a continuous improvement philosophy. These employers adapted how Investors in People is applied to their organisation, and in doing so continued to make it relevant and ensure the longevity of its value.
- Previously-accredited Investors in People employers felt Investors in People provided the firm with an initial one-off benefit, but had run its useful course within an organisation. For previously-accredited employers, consideration needs to be given to how employers can continue to derive value from the assessment process.
- De-committed employers reported that the amount of work required implementing processes for a successful Investors in People accreditation were substantial. Some businesses may need additional support in enabling them to recognise and make use of Investors in People in tough business conditions, in a variety of circumstances.
