Coming soon · Book Profile
People Analytics Theory, Tools and Techniques
A practical, hands-on guide that demystifies people analytics for managers and students by teaching the metrics, visualization tools, and statistical techniques needed to turn workforce data into evidence-based HR decisions.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
People Analytics: Theory, Tools and Techniques bridges the gap between intuition-driven and evidence-based human resource management by walking readers step-by-step through the entire analytics pipeline—from understanding the evolution and maturity levels of business analytics, to calculating HR and marketing metrics, to building interactive dashboards in Excel, Power BI, and Tableau, and finally to applying statistical and machine-learning techniques (correlation, regression, t-tests, ANOVA, logistic regression, neural networks, decision trees, factor and cluster analysis) using accessible open-source software like JAMOVI, R Commander, and Rattle. Rich with vignettes, real-world corporate case studies (Google, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, IBM, SanDisk), data-driven exercises, and a companion website of datasets, the book serves both management students across HR, OB, marketing, and applied psychology and practicing executives who want to implement data-driven decision-making without needing expensive proprietary software or a deep programming background.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- An HR manager, management student, or business executive who wants to make confident, data-driven workforce decisions and prove HR's strategic value.
- The problem
- They face abundant workforce data but lack the statistical and computing skills to turn it into actionable insight using accessible tools. They feel intimidated by analytics, anxious about being seen as a non-strategic support function, and uncertain whether their HR initiatives actually work.
- The plan
- Understand the evolution, definitions, and maturity levels of business and people analytics.
- Learn to calculate meaningful, benchmark-based HR and marketing metrics.
- Build interactive dashboards using accessible tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau).
- Apply statistical and machine-learning techniques using free software (JAMOVI, R Commander, Rattle).
- Interpret outputs correctly and translate them into managerial action.
- The payoff
- Making evidence-based people decisions that demonstrably improve performance, satisfaction, and retention. · Predicting attrition, candidate joining, and training effectiveness before they happen. · Earning top-management trust and elevating HR to a strategic business partner role.
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.