This new edition builds on the strengths and successes of the first edition and has been fully updated to reflect changes in the world of work, following the global financial crisis. The authors combine a managerial approach, focusing on practical, real-world applications, with a rigorous critical perspective that analyses the research behind the theories. The text addresses alternative theoretical perspectives, in parallel to the introduction of new worldwide cases and examples. New pedagogical features, such as the Ethical Dilemma and Critical Thinking boxes, reinforce the critical approach. The concise coverage of the core topics can be applied to both one-semester and year-long teaching and learning patterns.