A Short Guide to People Management: For HR and line managers

There is a plethora of information available for busy HR practitioners but what they really need is a clear, concise and comprehensive analysis of the theory and practice of people management within contemporary organizations. Indeed, much has been written about Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior, which rigorously explores each scientific field, yet there is a lack of an integrated examination of both fields.

The author begins by describing the new world of business and management, which is characterized by continuous change and precarious employment. He examines the individual at work, group behavior, people resourcing, performance and development and the employment relationship and he concludes with a look at organizational change; i.e. the nature of the sorts of changes that take place in companies of all sizes and how the process of organizational development can be managed effectively through people management.

This guide provides a thorough examination of the key areas of organizational psychology and people management and offers an easy to digest theory on each topic coupled with the latest empirical evidence. All the core theories of HRM and OB are presented in a methodical and critical manner, appealing to time-starved professionals who wish to acquire a detailed overview of people management rapidly. Throughout the book, several suggestions will be made to managers for ways of applying various HR theories to the workplace. The reader will uncover how to manage people but won’t be offered prescriptions because the best way of managing people depends on the context.