ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors discuss a model of an integrated strategic human resource management (HRM) system that depicts how career management and individual development are embedded in this system to improve overall organizational effectiveness. They describe the key functional human resource areas and how career management is rooted in the activities. The authors provide examples of corporate programs that position their human resource systems to supplement individual development. They discuss how a firm's HRM systems can support its strategic plans. Ralph Christensen, a former vice-president of human resources at Hallmark Cards, developed a comprehensive and strategic HRM system that weaves various activities of career management throughout five basic components of employee talent management. These five fundamental components are: workforce planning and staffing, learning and development, performance management, employee relations, and organization development. Career management and human resource systems are linked or integrated to the extent to which they help each other meet individual and organizational needs.
