This is a new text designed to cater for the recently introduced Managing and Leading People module as part of the CIPD Leadership and Management Standards. It is also suitable for Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour related modules on HR and business degree programmes. Written by a team at Portsmouth Business School, the text takes a critical look at this topic, and uses appropriate theories and evidence based approaches, drawing on academic evidence from hypothesis and research as well as practical evidence through case studies. It includes a wide variety of examples and comment, encompassing the public, private and voluntary sectors. Also included are small, medium and large organisations as examples for both evidence and discussion of application of theory and research. Bringing attention to the need for context-fit for any application of theory and practice, this text provides a range of examples and resources so that students are equipped with the tools to extend their quest to find the best fit for their own organisation.