Human resource management (HRM) is a relatively young field,
which has undergone a rapid evolution. From its initial roots as the function
involved in the administrative aspects of hiring, firing, and payroll, it has
seen stages where Union relations/avoidance, employee satisfaction, and legal
compliance have served as dominant areas of emphasis and expertise (Noe,
Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, 1997). Most recently a trend has developed
toward justifying the expenditures for and existence of the HR function.