'People are our most valuable asset' is a mantra that long has received only lip service in most organizations, with human resources management (HRM) being low on the organizational totem pole. Noting that this situation is changing, Wilkinson (employment relations, Griffith U.) and UK co-editors introduce micro and macro perspectives on the human, resource, and management aspects of HRM. International contributors to 33 chapters discuss historical, functional, and international perspectives on the field; applications of new technology in personnel selection; research on the link between management and leadership and organizational outcomes; approaches to downsizing; HRM in developing countries; and HR strategy as a source of competitive advantage. There is a call for further research on supervisor-employee relations in performance appraisal. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)