Discussion Questions

Chapter 1
Explain what HR management is and how it relates to the management process.
Give examples of how HR management concepts and techniques can be of use to all managers.
Illustrate the HR management responsibilities of line and staff managers.
Why is it important for companies today to make their human resources into a competitive
advantage? Explain how HR can contribute to doing this. What are some examples of employers
who do this?
Think of some companies that you are familiar with or that you’ve read about where you think the human
resource managers have been successful in adding value. What do the HR managers do to lead you to
your conclusion?
Chapter 3
Give an example of hierarchical planning in an organization.
What is the difference between a strategy, a vision, and a mission? Give one example of each.
Define and give at least two examples of the cost leadership competitive strategy and the differentiation
competitive strategy.
Explain how human resources management can be instrumental in helping a company create a
competitive advantage.
What is a high-performance work system? Provide several specific examples of the typical components in
a high-performance work system.