Segmenting workers within a job family for customized HRM 'content' practices: the case of IT service support workers

In response to suggestions (e.g. Boudreau, 2010) that the marketing concept of segmentation might be usefully applied to HRM practice, we systematically identify different ‘talent segments' amongst a population of IT service workers. From this a ‘Talent Segment Management Decision Support Tool’ for line-managers of IT service workers is presented to facilitate appropriate differentiation in their people management practice. As a broader theoretical contribution a ‘Talent Segment Identification Process’ is presented (and illustrated by example) by which ‘talent segments’ might be identified from within an identifiable group of workers (e.g. within a job family) via qualitative research methods.