With over 20 million people on its payroll, the government continues to be the largest employer in the country. Managing people who do the nation’s work is of critical importance to politicians and government leaders as well as citizens. The great recession of 2008 put enormous strains on governments, highlighting the key role personnel play in managing under times of austerity as well as prosperity. A thorough examination of political and historical aspects, Personnel Management in Government: Politics and Process, Seventh Edition provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human resource management within its historical and political context in the public sector. It discusses the development of public sector human resource management, the present status of best practices, and important insights from current scholarship on all three levels of government: federal, state, and local. See What’s New in the Seventh Edition: Personnel reforms under the Obama administration Pension developments at state and local levels of government Labor relations reforms at state and local levels, e.g. recent experiences in Michigan, Ohio, and other states making big changes to labor laws and policies Changes to diversity and affirmative action initiatives across the nation Developments in performance outcome initiatives at all levels of government During the 36 years since the publication of the first edition, the authors have addressed issues that were not yet considered mainstream, yet have become so over time. The seventh edition is no different. It examines progress that public personnel professionals are making to address changes in the political, legal, and managerial environment of the current decade. Exploring developments and innovations in the management of people who carry out the government's work, the book introduces students to public sector personnel management.

This completely updated and revised edition tackles today's complex human resource issues, and provides best practices and insight on addressing long-term workforce needs, recruiting and maintaining a high-performance team, and creating an environment where excellence thrives.

Includes coverage of issues relating to every level of government (federal, state, and local agencies) as well as in nonprofit organizations Examines the latest management theories (such as employee engagement and motivation) and current issues including disability and LGBT inclusivity, privatization, merit systems, and family and medical leave The discussion is rooted in public policy issues, providing students with a better understanding of the actors involved and the broader context of personnel administration The focus on the human resource issues is important to the work of all managers--not just personnel specialists Abundant pedagogical tools, including learning objectives, summaries, and discussion questions, guide student understanding and foster critical thinking Exercises and case studies throughout the book can be assigned for individual or group work, helping students apply public personnel management concepts to real world situations.

This book represents a unique approach to human resource management that addresses two important needs. First, the book answers the need for a practical guide for local government HR management. The authors detail applications and techniques required in this working environment. Second, the book answers the need for an instructional text that accurately presents the local government HR manager's role and everyday activities.