Effective management of human resources is essential to the success of any organization. In this authoritative, sophisticated and engaging new text on Human Resource Management, an international team of leading analysts guides the advanced student through this fundamental discipline of management in all its complexity. The book explores all the central themes and concepts of HRM theory and practice, and introduces the most important issues influencing contemporary practice in a wide range of organizational contexts. It systematically examines the main functional areas of HRM, and engages with a number of key contemporary issues for both scholars and practitioners. Topics covered include strategic HRM; ethics in HRM; knowledge management; HRM and performance; outsourcing and implications for HRM; HRM in small and medium enterprises; key functional areas of HR practice; and international HRM. Adopting a critical perspective throughout that challenges the student to examine closely the fundamental purpose and practices of HRM, this book is essential reading for all serious students of Human Resource Management and for any HRM professional looking to deepen his understanding of the subject.