The analysis contained in this text is supported by examples and cases designed to provide the reader with a functional knowledge and appreciation of current human resource management (HRM) issues. The exploration highlights the challenges for HR professionals who are increasingly expected to provide leadership in the management of employees as a key source of organizational competitive advantage.

Key features include:

* Brings together contemporary challenges and issues in the management of human resources and takes a critical, analytical approach to theory.
* Dual analysis of the theory and practice of managing contemporary challenges and issues in HRM in organizations.
* Provides case studies linked to the theory that demonstrate the challenging nature of the contemporary workplace and provide a practical focus on the issues discussed.

PETER HOLLAND is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Employee Relations in the Department of Management at Monash University Melbourne. Peter has worked in the Australian finance industry and has consulted to the private and public sectors in a variety of areas related to the field of human resource management and employee relations.

CATHY SHEEHAN has a background in Accounting, Psychology and Human Resource Management (HRM). Before working as an academic she was involved in the telecommunications and services industries. Her work in these areas mainly focused on accounting and finance processes and a review of control systems.

ROSS DONOHUE is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management at Monash University. He is a registered psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Ross has practiced as a vocational psychologist and provided consultancy work to industry and government in the areas of career management and organizational change.

AMANDA PYMAN is a lecturer in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management at the Kent Business School, University of Kent (UK). Amanda has experience teaching Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management to undergraduate students in both Australia and the UK.