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Biz Book Death Match: Finding Keepers vs. Talent on Demand

Want to find the best employees? Want to keep them happy? Without breaking the budget? Two recent books say they're the answer. Both have their strengths. Which one is best?

Talent on Demand Talent on Demand: Managing Talent in an Age of Uncertainty

Author: Peter Cappelli Background: Cappelli is professor of management at the Wharton School of Business, Director of its Center for Human Resources and a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research
publisher: Harvard Business Press
Pages: 260
Type: Theory/guidebook

Talent on Demand Web site
Who should read: Human resources strategists, CEOs, CFOs and other executives concerned about the cost of talent.

Cheers: The idea that underlies this book is creative and seems to work. Excellent use of real-world vignettes to help build his case. An engaging brief history of management training and theory. An effective discussion

Groans: You've gotta really care about HR. Also, it seems like it should have a little more math to prove some of its points, especially in the sections about 'buying' talent vs. 'making' it.

Readability: The writing is clear and in some places admirable. But ultimately, this is a book for those who run human resources departments.

Breakdown: A well-executed new theory for handling all aspects of human capital based on principles drawn from supply chain management.

Next: Finding Keepers »


Finding KeepersFinding Keepers: The Monster Guide to Hiring and Holding The World's Best Employees

Authors: Steve Pogorzelski and Jesse Harriott, with Doug Hardy
Background: Pogorzelski is executive vice president of global sales and customer development at Monster.com. Harriott is vice president of Monster Global Insights, its research arm. Hardy runs Monster's publishing program.
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Pages: 235
Type: Guidebook

Finding Keepers Web site »

Who should read: Hiring managers, recruiters, entrepreneurs

Cheers: Interesting data from Monster.com's research into what employees want. Breezy prose. Good use of lists and a helpful review box at the end of each chapter.

Groans: The layout, with its odd, usually unhelpful boxes like "My POV." Also, it claims to be more than just a book about hiring, but it really isn't.

Breakdown: An excellent book, full of creative ideas on how to attract talent.

Next: The winner »

Readability: Finding Keepers
Originality: Talent on Demand
Research: Talent on Demand.
Makes you smarter: Talent on Demand
Immediate practical application: Finding Keepers
Head to head: "Finding Keepers" is more fun and better for tips on hiring, especially for Generation Y. "Talent on Demand" is more thorough and comprehensive for all aspects of talent management.

Winner: Talent on Demand, by 3.5 to 2.5 decision.

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