The field of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) has burgeoned over the past thirty years. Over this time there has been a shift towards a strategic conception which posited workers as ‘assets’ rather than ‘costs’. These ‘human resources’ were reconceptualised as a key source of competitive advantage. As such, these assets were to be treated seriously: selected with care, trained and developed, and above all, induced to offer commitment. The concept of ‘human capital’ came to the fore, and in the decades following these developments, research output has been voluminous.

Strategic Human Resource Management: A Research Overview, authored by global research leaders, provides an expert summary of this crucial element of organizational performance. This new shortform book develops the argument that one of the crucial elements of organizational performance is the way work is organized in skill and talent packages both within an organization’s boundary and across global competency clusters. Secondly, it focuses on current and emergent challenges. The ‘package’ of HR approaches has changed over time and patterns can be observed. This new volume pays special regard to the HR implications arising from radically altering contexts – economic, social, and technological.

This concise volume covers crucial themes of lasting interest, and as such is essential reading for business scholars and professionals.