1st Edition
Strategic Human Capital Development in Asia Building Ecosystems for Business Growth
Asia continues to ascend as an economic powerhouse and a strategic priority for business leaders around the world, yet there is often limited understanding of the human capital systems that fuel the economic engines of the region. This book brings together the perspectives from economics, sociology, and management to highlight the business implications of human capital development in Asia.
This book provides new insights on human capital systems in Asia by considering the country context through a 'Human Capital Ecosystem' framework. Applying this framework, constituent outline, and comparable points across each of the countries in Asia, Smith translates national policies into insights on the drivers, challenges, and opportunities in individual countries. Each chapter also draws out clear business and HR implications based on the above framework and analysis.
While Asia continues to be a critical priority for businesses, there is limited understanding on how to manage and navigate the human capital systems in each of the region’s diverse countries. This book will serve as a helpful reference for managers or supplemental study guide for graduate students working to understand how to execute business strategy in major economies of Asia.
1. Introduction 2. National Human Capital Ecosystems 3. Japan: Riding the Population Decline 4. South Korea: The Power of Family 5. India: Planning Amidst Jugaad 6. China: Connections at Scale 7: Hong Kong & Taiwan: Asian Tigers 8. Singapore: The Mighty Red Dot 9. The Philippines: Archipelago in Transition 10. Thailand: Results with Smiles 11: Vietnam: New Growth Systems 12: Indonesia: The Emerald of the Equator 13. Malaysia: Slowing the Brain Drain 14. Asia’s Human Capital Futures
Biography
Richard R. Smith is Professor and Vice Dean at the Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. Over the past 15 years, Smith lived in Asia where he held a variety of academic and business leadership roles. Known for his pragmatic insights on Strategic Human Capital, he is a frequent speaker and author of publications, including Human Capital and Global Business Strategy.
'If you want to understand why human capital is part of an ‘ecosystem’ and how various Asian countries are building powerful ecosystems for them, read Rick’s well-researched treatise on strategic human capital development in Asia. This book is a must read for deepening our understanding of the emerging Asian nations and their multi-faceted Human Capital strategies'.
– Chandrasekhar Sripada, Professor of Practice (OB & Strategic Human Capital), the Indian School of Business
'Given the significant length of time he spent in Asia in leadership roles, Professor Smith has a deep and pragmatic understanding of the regional landscape. For anyone interested in the pulse of human capital in Asia, this book offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of our past, our resources, our aspirations, and our ongoing challenges. Together, they explain the national policies that have been introduced and the potential business opportunities for the future. We thank Professor Smith for his continued contributions to Singapore and the Asia region."
– Evelyn Kwek, Managing Director, Great Place to Work® ASEAN and ANZ
