Human resource management (HRM) is a big topic, and there are many books out there that can help you understand it. But which one should you read? The answer depends on what your goals are.
The field of human resource management covers a lot of ground. It includes everything from how people work together to how they’re paid, from why they stay or leave to how they’re motivated. HR professionals have to think about all these things, as do general managers. So there’s a lot to learn here.
There are also a lot of different types of HRM books out there. Some focus on the theoretical underpinnings of HRM, while others are more practical. There are even books that focus on the needs of HR professionals themselves, such as those preparing for certification exams. And then there are the ones aimed at strategic HRM, which is a distinct sub-field within HRM. Then there are books tailored to specific sectors, like public and nonprofit organizations, or specialized HRM topics like talent management.
So if you’re looking for a book on HRM, it’s important to know what kind of book you need. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of HRM books out there:
Beginner and academic HRM books
Beginner-level HRM books provide an overview of the field. They usually combine the main theoretical underpinning of HRM with some practical examples and cases. These books are ideal for students who are new to the subject matter. An Introduction to Human Resource Management 2nd edition by David A. DeCenzo and Stephen P. Robbins is an example of this type of book.
Academic textbooks are another category of HRM books. These books are often published by well-known publishers like Wiley and McGraw Hill. They come in a variety of editions, formats, and digital learning tools. For example, Fundamentals of Human Resource Management 15th ed. and Human Resource Management 4th ed. (Stewart & Brown 2019) are both published by Wiley. Both books are available in e-book, O-book, and print formats. McGraw Hill has four HRM titles with Connect courseware, SmartBook adaptive learning, Manager's Hot Seat Videos, application-based activities, self-assessments, critical thinking and workplace-readiness focus. Open-access option is also available via Center for Open Education.
Certification, strategic, sector-specific, and specialized books
Books aimed at HR certification exam candidates are another category of HRM books. These books typically include e-learning access and are available in paperback format. SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Exam Prep: Complete Study Guide + Questions and Detailed Answer Explanations for HR Certification is an example of this type of book. This book is listed in Amazon best-selling HR books category.
Strategic HRM is a distinct sub-field within HRM, and there are a number of books aimed at readers beyond the foundational level. One example of this type of book is ResearchGate post explicitly requests strategic HRM book recommendations; framed as separate from general HRM; signals a distinct advanced reader need.
Sector-specific HRM books are another category of HRM books. These books are tailored to the needs of organizations in specific sectors, such as public and nonprofit organizations. Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Strategic Approach 4th edition is an example of this type of book. Published by Wiley, this book applies HRM principles within the context of the public and nonprofit sector.
Specialized HRM sub-topics are also covered in their own dedicated books. Talent Management Systems: Best Practices in Technology Solutions for Recruitment, Retention and Workforce Planning 1st edition is an example of this type of book. Published by Wiley as a standalone title, this book covers recruitment, retention, and workforce planning.