ANN ARBOR, Mich.—In the largest global study ever of human resource professionals, researchers at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and the RBL Group found that HR managers play an integral role in the overall effectiveness of a company’s performance.

Business Line writes: “HR should help companies be successful socially too”

People Matters: Aon Hewitt, The RBL Group and Fortune Announce the Global Top Companies for Leaders

The 2011 Top Companies study identifies organizations that do the best job linking leadership-development programs with business strategies. It’s crucial that HR plays a key role in making that connection, but senior leaders must be accountable as well—and directly involve themselves with developing their direct reports.

Dr. Dave Ulrich answers questions concerning governing business boards, helping businesses deliver value, corporate health checks, organizational audits, and intangibles. Click on the link below to read the interview.

Human Resource Executive Online: “Running Lean”
A recent study finds HR professionals struggling to meet increased demands with dwindling resources, and expecting more of the same in 2012. Experts say HR can view these challenges as an opportunity to solidify its position as a strategic partner within the organization.

Norm Smallwood and Laurence Smith were interviewed by HRM Asia on developing an Asian leadership brand. Click the link below to watch the video.

Thinkers50, a bi-yearly award cited by the Harvard Business Review, recognizes 50 of the top business thinkers in the world. Ulrich has been named to the list since 2007, starting with a #42 rank, followed by a #31 rank in 2009, and now a #23 rank in 2011.

IBM, General Mills and Procter & Gamble head the 2011 list of Global Top Companies for Leaders, the most comprehensive study of organizational leadership in the world.  The Top Companies for Leaders study is conducted by Aon Hewitt, the global human resource consulting and outsourcing business of Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON), in partnership with The RBL Group, a strategic HR and leadership advisory firm, and FORTUNE Magazine.  This year’s winners were selected and ranked by an expert panel of independent judges based on criteria including strength of leadership practices and culture, examples of leader development on a global scale, alignment of business and leadership strategy, business performance and company reputation.  The 2011 list is featured on CNNMoney.com today, will appear in the November 21 issue of FORTUNE, and can be found below.

RBL Managing Director Bob Gandossy was interviewed by CNN on tracking talent trends. Click below to read the article on CNN.com.