Victory Through Organization

About the Author

Dave Ulrich is a renowned Rensis Likert Professor of Business at the Ross School, University of Michigan, and a partner at the RBL Group. David Kryscynski is an Assistant Professor of Strategy at the Brigham Young University Marriott School of Management. Mike Ulrich serves as an Assistant Professor of Business Management at the Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University. Wayne Brockbank is a Clinical Professor of Business at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Together, these authors bring decades of experience and groundbreaking research in the field of Human Resources (HR) and organizational management.

Main Idea

In Victory Through Organization, the authors argue that the focus on individual talent has been misdirected. Instead, the book emphasizes the significance of creating organizational capabilities that enhance overall business performance. Drawing from extensive research involving over 32,000 respondents across 1,200 businesses, the authors demonstrate that an organization’s structure and capabilities have a more profound impact on business success than individual competencies alone. The book provides a framework for HR professionals to upgrade their competencies, integrate HR practices, and foster organizational capabilities that deliver tangible value to stakeholders.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Part I: HR Matters
   • Why HR and Why Now?
   • The Four Forces Reshaping HR
3. Part II: Organization
   • Why Organization Matters
   • Organizational Capability
   • Integrated HR Practices
4. Part III: Individual
   • Credible Activist
   • Strategic Positioner
   • Becoming a Paradox Navigator
5. Part IV: Strategic Enablers
   • Culture and Change Champion
   • Human Capital Curator
   • Total Rewards Steward
6. Part V: Foundation Enablers
   • Compliance Manager
   • Analytics Designer and Integrator
   • Technology and Media Integrator
7. Conclusion

Introduction

The book begins by challenging the conventional wisdom that winning the war for talent is solely about recruiting and retaining the best individuals. Instead, the authors present a compelling case for focusing on the organizational systems and capabilities that harness and amplify individual contributions. This shift in perspective is essential for HR professionals and business leaders seeking to drive sustainable business performance.

Part I: HR Matters

Why HR and Why Now?

HR's role is more critical than ever in today’s fast-paced business environment. Business leaders now realize that HR issues are, in fact, business issues. The effectiveness of HR practices directly impacts a company’s ability to execute strategies, manage talent, and navigate change.

“Business leaders increasingly recognize that much of their success ultimately comes from wise and well-directed HR efforts.” - Dave Ulrich

The book outlines four key forces reshaping HR: emerging business contexts, increased pace of change, stakeholder expectations, and the personal context of today’s work.

The Four Forces Reshaping HR

The authors introduce the STEPED framework to understand how social, technological, environmental, political, economic, and demographic changes affect business operations. This framework helps leaders diagnose trends and adapt their strategies accordingly.

• Social: Shifts in expectations, values, and lifestyles.
• Technological: Advances in information access and frequency.
• Environmental: Public policy and social responsibility concerns.
• Political: Regulatory changes impacting business operations.
• Economic: Industry evolution and consolidation.
• Demographic: Changes in the age, education, and background of the workforce.

These trends necessitate agility and responsiveness in organizations, facilitated by effective HR practices.