In the last decade there has been an increasing interest in the role of people management in formulating key business decisions. This book offers a counterbalance to the predominant view that Human Resource and Personnel managers have little influence in the strategy making process. The book offers guidance to Personnel / HR managers aspiring to raise their status in organisations, as well as an indication of the future development of the role of people management at the highest levels of business. It will be essential reading for all those with a professional or academic interest in Human Resource Management and employment relations.

James Kelly worked for ten years in the building industry, followed by four years as an industrial relations officer in the steel industry. As a senior lecturer at Strathclyde University he has written and lectured widely in Human Resource Management. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and assistant editor of the journal Employee Relations.,
John Gennard is Professor of Human Resource Management at the Strathclyde Business School. He has written widely in the field of employee relations, and is a consultant to employee and employer organisations. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, a member of the list of ACAS independent arbitrators and editor of the journal Employee Relations.