Speaking at the CIPD National Conference today, researchers outlined new research which establishes a link between good people management and improved business performance.

Two different research teams led by Prof David Guest of Kings College London and Prof John Purcell of Bath University used both previous studies and their own research to demonstrate the association between best practice people management policies and procedures and the overall growth of a business.

Good practice is shown to impact positively on employee behaviour at work, generate better job satisfaction and consequently impact on the 'bottom line'.

John Purcell's initial work is showing that good practice is linked to a company's responsiveness to change, shared vision and more flexible working practices.