Population Distribution Diagrams: The Project II

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Population Distribution Diagrams: The Project II

Topics: All, John Sumser, JohnSumser.com, Population, Recruiting Strategy, by John Sumser

Population Distribution Diagrams: Definitions

(Nov 19, 2008)Population Distributions Defined

There’s a pretty length series of discussions about Population Distribution Diagrams (PDDs) in the archives. (There’s also a list of links at the end of this piece).

In a nutshell, PDDs are graphs that show how a group of people are distributed along the lines of calendar age, tenure within the organization, experience within the industry and so on. (They used to be called Population Pyramids because that was the normal view of things) On the vertical axis, you have banding by time (five year increments give you a standard span of adult life). On the horizontal axis, one or two variables (Gender is commonly found. That would be 2 variants, male-female.) The graphs are designed to show the impact of time or duration on one aspect.

The basic PDD Simply shows Gender population in age bands. Over time, the ways that population changes are eeasier to understand using snapshot PDDs. There is a growing consensus that a PDD can help you understand the current health, agility and long term prospects for a culture.

Check out these snapshots of Population Change in Algeria.

You can see that the population of Algeria begins as a pyramid, develops a youth bulge and then transforms into something other than a pyramid.

Similar things are happening in India, China, Pakistan and much of South Asia. Meanwhile, more developed countries show a different dynamic (notice the narrowing of the base in Italy, Germany and Japan … that’s what a shrinking population looks like…getting older and smaller)

Our companies, non-profits and government organizations can (and should be) viewed in this way. Age distributions (or tenure/experience) can tell you a lot about a company’s health and circumstances.

Is the culture aging? Is it growing or shrinking? Where is the bulge?

But, what’s more interesting is that the tools can be used to drive a conversation about the ideal shape of the organization. This makes it possible for Workforce development functions to become truly strategic. In my book, “strategic” means “able to have an independent, measurable, positive outcome that supports or drives the core mission. Images of a sought after PD shape can infuse each Staffing transaction with strategic importance.

The goal of strategic relevance is not achievable by a reactive function.

It’s clear that some Population Distribution shapes foster growth and innovation while others retard it. Some are expensive to maintain in the near term; some are unsustainable in the long term.

The project is designed to open a long conversation on workforce sustainability.

The PDD Series

About the author

John Sumser

John Sumser is a principal analyst for HRExaminer, an independent analyst firm covering HR Technology and the intersection of people, tech, and work. John’s mix of experience over the course of his career gives him a broad and unique perspective on the industry. Like anyone trying to process a lot of information, he is two or three steps ahead in some areas and still learning about others. Sumser’s work includes deep research into the nooks and crannies of HR Technology to identify and explain rapidly evolving trends. Built on a foundation of engineering, design, and philosophy, John’s seeks to understand and advise clients on where their technology works best, for whom, and in what context. Each year, John examines the insides of hundreds of companies, their products, and ecosystems. He delivers vendor analysis by building the framework from which to deliver the critique. He is constantly connecting and making visible the front end of change. He can help you see the path of evolution and the risks on the journey. The HRExaminer is Sumser’s vehicle for understanding and explaining the inner workings of the industry. With three weekly podcasts, and written commentary, he covers emerging ideas, the state of the industry, and the executives who operate it.

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