Personnel responsibilities

This is a clear and mostly well-written introduction to human resource management that will appeal to undergraduate students because of its conversational style that encourages readers to reflect and form their own opinions as well as providing information. The text consists of a series of chapters on the nuts and bolts of HRM processes, covering topics such as recruitment, appraisal, reward, training, teamwork, motivation and HRM in an international context. Particularly welcome is a chapter on ethics, corporate social responsibility and consideration of HRM's role in not-for-profit and voluntary organisations, not common in other HRM texts.

The orientation is mostly functional, especially on topics such as communication, and each chapter concludes with a short scenario accompanied by discussion questions and a practical activity or exercise.

The book is likely to be helpful in building practical skills through considering HRM issues - for example, material on HR auditing introduces students to the principles of research methods. The text is likely to be most suitable for students taking the Certificate in Personnel Practice or a short first-year introductory course to human resource management.

Annette Cox is lecturer in employment studies, Manchester Business School.