The recently published (7th April 2026) work by Dr Ganesh Shermon “Competency Base Human Resource Management: Strategic HRM Competencies, Culture and Competency Mapping in the Future of Work” can best be termed as an epic in the field of contemporary people practices in the enterprise. The commitment, hard work behind evolution of an epic could only internalise with modesty thus left with limited scope of review.
There is a reason why Dr Shermon is often regarded as an exception. It is his great humility that while writing the preamble he used two and half pages to record names of individuals with notable mention. This is in addition to mention of persons who helped shaping the epic, covering other two pages. This is in fact a great learning how competency framework could be adopted in our daily life. Keeping an inventory of professional contacts regular updated and use them when we are into a journey of accomplishment of a project infact is a hall of excellence. It requires absolute professional devotion and believes on people whom we met in our life journey.
Regarding the book, the contents covering 731 pages spreading across following 11 chapters can be regarded as a reference point for Academia, HR leaders, Consultantsand serious students seeking to apply competency-based approaches in practical, strategic, and transformative ways,
1. Building Competencies for Organisational Future
2. Competency Management System
3. Competency Mapping and Development
4. Competency Drives Transformational HRM Strategies
5. Competency Based Leadership Learning Paradigms
6. Competency Based Selection Process
7. Competency Based Interview Strategies
8. Competency Based Performance Management System
9. Competency Driven Careers
10. Competency Based Cultures
11. Future in Perspective
A comprehensive competency framework of an organisation has now been accepted as best HR practice. Always we are in search for an one step reference point and this work of Dr Shermon shall surely work as afoundational support forprofessionals committed to shaping the future of work in this Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world. The book provides a clear roadmap for developing the future-ready workforce essential for organisational success and remain competitive advantageous.
Easy navigation is the beauty of the book. While a novice can get foundation knowledge about the framework at the same time an OD consultant can prescribe the framework beneficiary for her/his client firm using the tools mentioned in the book. While a management teacher can help the student to frame a probable answer, at the same time a researcher can access deep knowledge for preparation of the thesis. Use ofinternational research, proven models, case examples shall definitely be helpful for strategy formulation to daily execution of contemporary people practices. A dedicated chapter covering the digital challenges is showing a direction that how HRM can lever upon using the framework and remain purposeful in the future world.
Depending upon the organisational maturity, clarity of vision, life cycle, leadership intention, level of adoption of strategic HR, and corporate governance the firms are harnessed varied level of competency based HRM. In future, other than MNC level, a chapter covering the criticality of adoption of competency framework in Government run businesses, family run businesses, NGOs, JVs, Development and Social organisation preferably with some caselets shall be interesting addition to understand the utility of framework under varied organisational culture context. Similarly, inclusion of a few data capturing tools/formats for academia, researcher and consultants shall be value adding.
Great hardbound robust delivery for the fraternity from a gem of a person. Gratitude.
(Book Review by Indranil Banerjee, Kolkata)
Author : Dr. Genesh Shermon
Publisher : Himalaya Publishing House
Price : Rs. 2550/-
Website : www.himpub.com
ISBN : 978-93-7105-856-8
