The author of this study critically examines contemporary issues in the management of people. He reviews some of the significant themes that have shaped HRM as it has emerged during the course of the last century. The book identifies the definitive role of the tension between the drive for organizational performance and the humanization of work. It argues, however, that our understanding of both strands is inadequate and poorly researched, leading to an incomplete picture of the dynamics of managing people. Understanding Human Resource Management also examines the relevance of such contemporary debates as the resource-based view, appropriation and globalization, and explores how researchers and practitioners can now move towards a more viable conception of HRM.