Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, with eBook Access Code

Build the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the quickly evolving environment of HR, updated with new content designed to strengthen student comprehension and engagement

Fully revised and updated with input from practicing HR professionals and teaching faculty, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management provides a concise and student-friendly introduction to the field of Human Resource Management (HRM). Now in its fifteenth edition, this popular undergraduate textbook offers thorough coverage of all key topics and competencies recommended by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

With an engaging and relatable narrative style, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management guides students through essential HRM topics such as human resource functions, employee relations, talent acquisition, training and development, health and safety, performance management, strategy and planning, legal and regulatory considerations, and more. Each chapter is filled with illustrative examples and hands-on activities based on current and emerging issues in the HR world.

Acclaimed for its focused, systematic, and practical approach, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, Fifteenth Edition remains an ideal textbook for undergraduate courses on core HRM concepts.

Preface xxix 

Acknowledgments xxxv 

About the Authors xxxvii 

Part 1 Understanding HRM 

1 The Dynamic Environment of HR 1 

2 Functions and Strategy 32 

3 Human Resource Planning and Job Analysis 63 

Part 2 Legal and Ethical Context of HRM 

4 Equal Employment Opportunity 90 

5 Employee Relations 133 

Part 3 Talent Acquisition 

6 Recruiting 165 

7 Foundations of Selection 192 

Part 4 Training and Development 

8 Onboarding, Training, and Developing Employees 223 

9 Managing Careers 250 

10 Performance Management 269 

Part 5 Total Rewards 

11 Establishing Rewards and Pay Plans 301 

12 Employee Benefits 335 

Part 6 Safety and Labor Relations 

13 Managing Health and Safety Risks 366 

14 Understanding Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining 398 

Glossary G- 1 

Index I- 1

Susan L. Verhulst is Professor of Management Emeritus at Des Moines Area Community College. As a pioneer in online education, she has researched, developed, and taught online courses in management, human resource management, and organizational behavior. She is an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management and has achieved Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification through the HR Certification Institute and Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM- CP) certification.

David A. DeCenzo served as President of Coastal Carolina University (CCU) from 2007 to 2020, where he implemented a comprehensive strategic planning process, assured fiscal accountability, and promoted assessment and transparency. Before joining CCU, DeCenzo held various positions at Towson University, including Associate Dean of the College of Business and Economics and Chairman of the Department of Management. He is the author or co-author of 30 textbooks and numerous articles published in scholarly journals such as Harvard Business Review.