The CIPD reports that a study by Industrial Relations Services finds that companies are often failing to see a link between the Investors in People (IIP) Standard and improved profits.

Although all those surveyed said the standard had brought some benefit, particulary by linking training to business needs and by encouraging positive publicity, researcher Noelle Murphy said that "few (respondents) felt (the effect)was on the bottom line.”

The IIP has questioned the validity of the survey, pointing to a survey they commissioned themselves last year, which found that 70 per cent of respondents believed IIP status had boosted productivity and competitiveness. Only 79 organisations surveyed in the latest study, compared to the 40,000 organisations holding or committed to the standard.

Researchers on the latest survey said that that changes made earlier this year to IIP’s appraisal and award system may have been aimed at replacing its focus on “process” with a greater emphasis on results.

Mike Cannell, CIPD training and development adviser, said that connections between better training and improved business performance were not always made. “You can’t always detect the impact of training because the connection is not always direct,” he said.

The IIP's annual Investors in People Week will be taking place from 9-13 October this year, at which a new piece of research will be released looking into how well employers and employees really know each other and understand each other's needs.

Among the events planned are the launch of a competition recognising and celebrating the success of small and medium sized companies and a joint event with the CIPD (details to be confirmed).