Directionally Correct, A People Analytics Podcast with Cole & Scott

#129 - Drs. Mark Huselid & Alec Levenson - Workforce Analytics: A Global Perspective

Jun 15, 2025

Mark Huselid, a Distinguished Professor of Workforce Analytics, and Alec Levenson, Director at USC's Center for Effective Organizations, dive into global workforce analytics. They discuss the evolution beyond North America, tackling worldwide challenges in talent management and legal standards. Expect insights on integrating diverse analytical fields, the ACAI model for effective decision-making, and the importance of bias awareness in research. With anecdotes that blend humor and serious analysis, they illuminate the rich tapestry of workforce dynamics.

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INSIGHT

Global Evolution of Workforce Analytics

Workforce analytics has evolved from a North American focus to address global challenges including cultural and legal differences.
Effective analytics integrates diverse fields to manage change and execute strategy through talent management.

ADVICE

Prioritize Program Evaluation

Evaluation is critical in HR programs but often neglected due to focus on implementation.
Always ask "Did it work?" and seek ROI to improve workforce analytics impact.

INSIGHT

Multi-disciplinary View in Analytics

Workforce analytics requires a multi-disciplinary perspective, drawing from psychology, economics, strategy, and more.
Asking the right questions involves understanding different knowledge bases and organizational power structures.

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Welcome to another episode of Directionally Correct, a People Analytics podcast hosted by Cole. Today, we are joined by distinguished guests Mark Huselid, a renowned Professor of Workforce Analytics at Northeastern University, and Alec Levenson, a Director at the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California. This episode delves into the intricate world of workforce analytics with a focus on global perspectives, as our guests discuss their new book, "Workforce Analytics, A Global Perspective," co-authored with Martin Edwards and Dana Minbaeva.

Dive into the conversation about how analytics has evolved beyond a North American-centric approach, addressing global challenges in measurement, legal standards, and cultural intricacies in talent management. Our experts discuss the interdisciplinary nature of workforce analytics, drawing parallels with fields like economics, psychology, and even insights from Charlie Munger of Berkshire Hathaway.

This episode also highlights the importance of variance in analytics and how global collaboration from diverse professional backgrounds contributes to the richness of the book. Hear firsthand experiences from Mark and Alec about the challenges of integrating analytics into organizational strategy, and the journey of writing a book amidst a global pandemic.

Perfect for listeners keen on understanding the future of people analytics and those looking to advance their knowledge on managing talent in a globally integrated manner. Be sure to subscribe to our Substack newsletter, watch our YouTube videos, and consider supporting us as a patron. All opinions are our own.

Why do scientists disagree even when they have the same data and methods
Alec’s previous book: Strategic Analytics (check out the big font version)
Mark’s previous books: The HR Scorecard, The Workforce Scorecard, and The Differentiated Workforce