The second edition of this extensively revised text provides a critical evaluation of current developments in human resource management (HRM) through a fresh user-friendly and international approach. It balances a comprehensive overview of HRM theory — the latest ideas, theories, and research findings — with a close examination of developing HRM practices illustrated by numerous case studies.Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, was written specifically to fulfill the need of introductory undergraduate and graduate courses for a rigorous analysis of HRM. For some time there has been a tendency of textbooks on personnel/human resource management to be much more prescriptive than analytical. This edition's purpose is to provide the reader with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the latest relevant theories, practices, and functional activities of HRM on a global basis.This book is divided into five major parts: Part I introduces the nature and role of HRM and addresses some of the controversial theoretical issues surrounding the HRM discourse; Part II reviews the external contexts that affect HRM policies and actions inside the organization; Parts III and IV examine the key human resource practices that comprise the HRM cycle; and Part V addresses some of the developments in communications and employee relations. The second edition of this extensively revised text provides a critical evaluation of current developments in human resource management (HRM) through a fresh user-friendly and international approach. It balances a comprehensive overview of HRM theory--the latest ideas, theories, and research findings--with a close examination of developing HRM practices illustrated by numerous case studies. Human Resource Management: Theory and Practice, Second Edition, was written specifically to fulfill the need of introductory undergraduate and graduate courses for a rigorous analysis of HRM. For some time there has been a tendency of textbooks on personnel/human resource management to be much more prescriptive than analytical. This edition's purpose is to provide the reader with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the latest relevant theories, practices, and functional activities of HRM on a global basis. This book is divided into five major parts: Part I introduces the nature and role of HRM and addresses some of the controversial theoretical issues surrounding the HRM discourse; Part II reviews the external contexts that affect HRM policies and actions inside the organization; Parts III and IV examine the key human resource practices that comprise the HRM cycle; and Part V addresses some of the developments in communications and employee relations. Undergraduate and graduate level textbook in human resource management which was imported from Europe. It will provide relevant theories, practices and activities that are for an international audience.