In this comprehensive text, three expert authors present actionable advice in an easy-to-read format for line and HR managers who wish to employ sound management practices that are effective but require time and effort. In Essential Management, Dr. Ronald Gribbins, Mary Ruzicka, and Lisa Youngdahl use their combined decades of experience to provide a detailed approach of the essential concepts and functions of organizational behavior and HR management supported by a systems approach. Building off the fact that HR Management is a highly interrelated and looped activity, this book provides the know-how to make real changes in day-to-day activities. Readers will delve into two major sections to understand the systems thinking approach presented: general management and HR. In the general management section, the authors focus on teaching practices for improving business operations including: ¿ Leadership. ¿ Strategy formation. ¿ Decision making. ¿ Motivation. ¿ Culture and Transformational change. In the HR section, practitioners will learn unique approaches to: ¿ Identifying and explaining scopes of the work. ¿ Candidate selection. ¿ Employee compensation. ¿ Evaluating performance management. ¿ Broaching the subject of termination. ¿ Managing transactional change. Intended as a helping hand for practicing HR leaders, Essential Management provides critical insight and guidance to be proactive rather than reactive in routine HR situations.