Reflecting volatility as a commercial norm, this quarter's issue of People Matters takes a look at the economic scene and considers change in a practical way. Some economic fundamentals are examined by a niche business that has proved its success in what professionals call a discontinuous scenario: Graham Turner's additional detailed analysis of the challenges posed by debt deflation to central banks will be available shortly. You can contact Graham at the email address in his article.
For organisations cutting back in volatile times, the generosity of exit packages has been waning of late, and some are finding it difficult to justify any form of outplacement or career advice. Douglas Mizon points out that such provision does not have to be elaborate: an objective helping hand may provide more real assistance than the bland assurances of a selection consultant. It has the additional benefit of maintaining an organisation's hard won reputation.
For those CEOs with international vision, investment for the future is a priority that goes hand in hand with good housekeeping. Nearly two years ago, China became a member of the World Trade Organisation, with membership holding the potential to accelerate the economic transformation that began in the late 70s. The potential for financial services could be high. Lynn O'Connor and Jo Wilson who live in Hong Kong consider the people issues on the basis of their commercial experience.
The old TECs have given way to a new more focused enterprises such as Capital Quality London. Andra King shows how organisations can be provided with help on quality measures such as Investors in People to provide a benchmark of good practice. The Investors standard itself now has additional modules, so businesses of every size that want to be best in class, to avoid complacency and to keep learning can find a way of measuring progress.