Coming soon · Book Profile
Handbook of Regression Modeling in People Analytics
A practical handbook teaching analytics practitioners how to select, run, and interpret the full range of regression models for inferential analysis of people-related questions, with worked examples in R and Python.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Written by a mathematician-turned-practitioner, this open-source handbook fills a critical gap for people analytics professionals who need to move beyond gut instinct and borrowed best practices toward evidence-based decisions. It treats regression as the indispensable 'Swiss army knife' of people analytics, walking the reader from statistical foundations through linear, binomial, multinomial, ordinal, mixed, structural equation, and survival models. Each method is grounded in a relatable problem, demystified with just enough mathematics to interpret outputs credibly, and demonstrated with reproducible code on realistic data sets. The book emphasizes inference (understanding why something happens) over pure prediction, reflecting the reality of small, consequential people data sets, and equips analysts to defend, critique, and communicate their models to non-statistical stakeholders.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A people analytics practitioner or analytics student who wants to deliver more targeted, credible, evidence-based insights to their organization.
- The problem
- They face messy, often small people data sets and need to explain what drives outcomes like promotion, attrition, performance, or satisfaction. They feel under-equipped and lack confidence to run, interpret, and defend multivariate models, fearing they cannot respond to critique.
- The plan
- Learn the statistical and programming foundations needed to model.
- Match the regression method to the type of outcome you are explaining.
- Run the model and interpret its coefficients and fit.
- Check the model's underlying assumptions and pursue parsimony.
- Communicate the inferences clearly to non-statistical stakeholders.
- The payoff
- Confidently selecting and applying the right regression technique to varied people analytics problems. · Producing clear, defensible, evidence-based inferences that influence organizational decisions. · Communicating model results effectively to non-statistical audiences.
See our guide
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Additional reading
- The Organism · Kurt Goldstein
Maslow sources the term 'self-actualization' from Goldstein and builds upon his holistic view of the organism.
- Explorations in Personality · H. A. Murray, et al.
Cited as providing an 'excellent discussion' on the basic principle of centering motivation theory on goals rather than instigation or behavior.
- Social Interest · Alfred Adler
Maslow credits Adler and his followers for stressing the importance of the 'esteem needs,' which he felt were neglected by Freudian psychoanalysts.
- Wisdom of the Body · W. B. Cannon
Provides the foundational concept of 'homeostasis,' which Maslow uses as the starting point for his discussion of physiological needs.
- Multipliers · Liz Wiseman
Explores how leaders can either amplify ('multiply') or diminish ('diminish') the intelligence and capabilities of their teams, a key concept for creating a positive, low-anxiety environment.
- The Fearless Organization · Amy Edmondson
Provides the foundational research and practical steps for creating psychological safety, which the book identifies as crucial for reducing interpersonal anxiety and encouraging people to speak up.
- Mindset · Carol Dweck
Explains the difference between a 'growth mindset' and a 'fixed mindset,' which is presented as a key tool for helping employees manage perfectionism and see failures as learning opportunities.
- Crucial Conversations · Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, et al.
Recommended as a resource for employees to learn how to navigate difficult, high-stakes conversations, directly addressing the book's theme of moving from conflict avoidance to healthy debate.
- Better Allies · Karen Catlin
The author is quoted on specific, actionable steps for allyship, making her book a practical guide for implementing the principles in Chapter 7.
- Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People · Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald
Explains the science of implicit bias, which is central to the book's argument that leaders need to be proactive allies because 'not being racist/sexist' isn't enough.