Human resource management : gaining a competitive advantage

"The steady but slow recovery of the U.S. economy means that both consumers and businesses are carefully considering their spending patterns and investments. Both -private-and public-sector employers are cautiously adding new employees if they see an increased demand for their products or services. Some companies are struggling to find qualified, talented, and skilled employees despite the many workers available. Also, they are continuing to examine how they can improve their "bottom line" while reducing costs. This has resulted in not only considering purchasing new technology and upgrading equipment, but putting a greater emphasis on ensuring that management practices and working conditions help employees work harder and smarter, and enhance their motivation, satisfaction, and commitment. At the same time companies are taking steps to deal with the current economic conditions, they are also paying closer attention to how to engage in business practices that are economically sound but sustainable. That is, business practices that are ethical, protect the environment, and contribute to the communities from which the business draws the financial, physical, and human resources needed to provide its product and services. Consumers are demanding accountability in business practices: making money for shareholders should not involve abandoning ethics, ruining the environment, or taking advantage of employees from developing countries!"--