Human Resource Essentials. . - Bookshelf: Books in Brief - Brief Article - book review

HR Magazine, June, 2002

By Lin Grensing-Pophal Society for Human Resource Management, 2002

352 pages

List Price: $34.95

ISBN: 0-06-662106-2

The economy continues to rapidly give birth to new companies. Many of these young firms face the significant challenge of creating an HR department out of thin air. Human Resource Essentials by Lin Grensing-Pophal, SPHR, explores the basics of starting an HR office and managing the HR function.

Grensing-Pophal, a longtime HR professional and frequent contributor to HR Magazine, notes that, in many young companies, HR practitioners "must understand every aspect of managing an HR function--recruitment and hiring, pay practices, benefits administration, termination and a daunting number of legal issues."

At the same time, the HR practitioner must convince company leaders of HR's strategic value. To do this, Grensing-Pophal suggests the following:

* Recognize that your purpose is to serve the organization's needs--not to advance your department or position.

* Learn everything you can about your organization.

* Think of yourself as a consultant-not a decision-maker. You can increase your influence at work by bringing good ideas and sound documentation to the leadership team.

* Disagree privately; agree publicly. You won't agree with every leadership decision. But, to be considered a part of that team, you must provide as much information as you can, then support team decisions.

* Build relationships. "Cultivate contacts at all levels of the organization," advises Grensing-Pophal. HR must understand the needs of everyone in the organization, not just the HR department.

Chapters in Human Resource Essentials review the basics of recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, communication and record-keeping, workplace safety and security, outsourcing and terminations. Each section includes a list of frequently asked questions as well as case studies.

This book can be purchased through the SHRMStore online. Members receive a discount off the list price. Visit www.shrm.org/shrmstore and search for item number 61.16501.