21 HR Management Books Every HR Professional Should Read

In the ever-evolving world of Human Resources, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for fostering a thriving workplace and ensuring organisational success. That's where the power of literature comes into play. Whether you're looking to refine your approach or spark innovative ideas, these essential HR Management Books are your gateway to HR excellence.  

In this blog, we’ll explore a curated list of essential HR Management Books that every HR professional should have on their bookshelf. From foundational theories to practical strategies, these titles cover a wide range of topics.  

Table of Contents 

1) Top 21 HR Management Books 

a) Human Resource Management 

b) HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources Victory Through Organization  

c) The HR Scorecard 

d) Strategic Human Resource Management: An HR Professional's Toolkit 

e) The New HR Leader's First 100 Days 

f) The Talent Delusion 

g) Work Rules! 

h) HR Disrupted: It's Time for Something Different 

i) Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World 

2) Conclusion 

Top HR Management Books 

Human resources are some of the fastest-changing fields and thus are important to any organisation's success. For HR professionals to be on top of such a dynamic platform, they must develop their knowledge and skills with each passing time. Reading great HR Management Books available could be the most profound way to achieve this.   

These books provide vast knowledge, various effective ways, and new ideas to help human resource leaders overcome obstacles, achieve transformation, and promote an enabling work culture. Whether you're a beginning student of HR or an accomplished leader in the field, this list of top HR Management Books covers everything you need to know to have a successful career.
 

 

1) Human Resource Management by Gary Dessler 

Gary Dessle ‘s “Human Resource Management” offers a great deal of foundational knowledge in the field, as far as theory goes. Specific topics included are recruitment, employee development, performance management, and compensation.  

Dessler is one of those authors who can take material that could be challenging and make it more readable. His words are not too confusing, and his approach to problem-solving is very practical. Whether one is starting an HR career or just wants to update the knowledge, this book proves to be an excellent guide. 

2) HR from the Outside In: Six Competencies for the Future of Human Resources by Dave Ulrich, Jon Younger, Wayne Brockbank, and Mike Ulrich 

In the book “HR from the Outside In” Dave Ulrich and the other authors of this book put forth an HR perspective. It seeks to avail of future by elaborating on six areas which HR practitioners should possess to be useful tomorrow.  

The book also focuses on the importance of business acumen, culture and co-creation as well as change management through outside-in approaches. Filled with numerous case studies and actionable plans, this book reverses the traditional perspectives of HR. It also compels HR Managers to focus on the way they position themselves within the organisation. 

3) Victory Through Organization by Dave Ulrich 

"Victory Through Organization" by Dave Ulrich delineates the connecting link between appropriate HR practices and organisational outcomes. The book is a useful compilation of insights from an in-depth study that showcases how HR professionals can help build an organisational framework that can yield exemplary results.  

Ulrich reinforces the integration of HR strategies into business objectives while at the same time carrying out a people-oriented value creation by the Human Resources function. This book is meant for those HR leaders willing to contribute value to the success of their organisations. 

4) The HR Scorecard by Brian Becker, Mark Huselid, and Dave Ulrich 

In the book “The HR Scorecard”, Brian Becker, Mark Huselid and Dave Ulrich lay out a strategic approach to HR Management which connects HR practices to business objectives. The authors present a framework for measuring the influence of HR initiatives on organisational performance with metrics to demonstrate their worth.  

Linking HR strategy with business outcomes will enable HR professionals to adopt more data-driven approach in their work. It is on this note that this book can be regarded as a vital resource for transforming HR from being a mere support function into strategic partner. 

5) Strategic Human Resource Management: An HR Professional’s Toolkit by Karen Beaven 

In her book “Strategic Human Resource Management,” Karen Beaven provides detailed illustrations about practical tools and techniques that can be used by Human Resources experts in formulating and implementing successful HR strategy.  

Summarising various topics like talent management, employee engagement and organisational growth, provides organisations with actionable insights through this book. Kay Beaven’s hands-on orientation qualifies it as a practicality-oriented manual for Human Resource managers looking forward towards bettering their strategic skills while inducing significant changes within their companies.

6) The New HR Leader's First 100 Days by Alan Collins  

The move to an HR leadership role can be a frightening one, but Alan Collins “The New HR Leader's First 100 Days” is your blueprint for success. New HR leaders can work through each chapter to ensure they are on the right path for success from building relationships in a strategic way, setting their own couple of plans and what actions should be taken within their first 100 days. 

There are also some 'thumb rules' and stories from his own life shared by Collins himself that makes the book a true manual for anybody out there. But it is a critical read for anyone who steps into their first HR leadership role. 

7) The Talent Delusion by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic 

In his book "The Talent Delusion", Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic challenges common beliefs and myths about talent. He also presents fresh ideas on how talent should be managed differently. In this work, all aspects of the science behind talent are touched upon, identifying it, developing it, and retaining top performers using evidence-based strategies.   

This integrative piece will present exciting insights into human behaviour and organisational dynamics for human resources professionals who want to change their paradigms about managing talents. 

8) Work Rules! by Laszlo Bock 

“Work rules!” by Laszlo Bock, ex-SVP of People Operations at Google are his experiences & some lessons. This book does an in-depth analysis of the unconventional ways adopted at Google for Human Resource management and gives tips on how to enhance the culture of your organisation.  

Through data informed decisions, employees’ empowerment and continuous learning, it points to HR people who are committed towards making better work environments. 

9) HR Disrupted: It's Time for Something Different by Lucy Adams 

“HR Disrupted: It's Time for Something Different” is a call to action for the profession to think differently, according to Lucy Adams. Informed by her prior role as an HR Director with the BBC, Adams presents an honest and thought-provoking critique of traditional forms of HR practice.  

The text provides pragmatic approaches to building a more agile responsive and employee-led function. An essential read for all Human Resources practitioners who want to liberate themselves from accepted truths and explore innovative methods in their career choice. 

10) Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall 

In "Nine Lies About Work," Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall debunk common misconceptions about work and leadership, thus offering a fresh insight into performance and engagement drivers. The book goes against established norms on how we view leadership, which emphasise strengths, individualisation, and trust building.   

This is an intellectual discourse that inspires thoughts as well as deeds. It is a must-have for any Human Resource expert who desires to influence change. 

11) HR Rising!!: From Ownership to Leadership by Steve Browne 

It is now time to rise: This book, “HR Rising!!: From Ownership to Leadership”, is focused on HR professionals taking ownership of their role as leaders within their respective organisations. The author gives several pieces of practical advice along with real-life examples to encourage HR practitioners to lead confidently.   

It also leads into change-making strategies making one mind about them. Anyone can learn from Browne’s writing because it is entertaining; regardless of level within the industry, then it is an enjoyable motivating read. 

12) Belonging at Work: Everyday Actions You Can Take to Cultivate an Inclusive Organization by Rhodes Perry 

Rhodes Perry's "Belonging at Work" is a practical guide through how to create an inclusive and equitable workplace. It contains very practical guidance on encouraging belonging, addressing bias, and cultivating cultures of inclusiveness.  

Perry makes this approach so accessible and compassionate that the book is absolutely of great value for any HR professional who is committed to making a workplace more diverse and inclusive. 

Ready to advance your HR career? Join our expert-led HR Management Course and Unlock Your Potential. Register today! 

13) The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson 

In "The Fearless Organization," Amy C. Edmondson deals with psychological safety as the right ingredient in developing the culture of learning, innovation, and growth. The book provides practical strategies for creating an environment where employees can feel safe to speak up, take risks, and collaborate without retribution.  

This book by Edmondson is anchored on insight from the research level; thus, it is a must-read for the HR professional who intends to create an enabling and supportive workplace. 

14) The Way of the HR Warrior: Leading the Charge to Transform Your Career and Organization by Keri Ohlrich, MBA and Monica Frede 

Written by Keri Ohlrich and Monica Frede, "The Way of the HR Warrior" explores how to take your career to the next level and become instrumental in your organisation. It will help you develop the key skills you need, create resilience, and learn how to lead with purpose. 

Read this book for inspiration from their stories and actionable insights into taking your career to the next level and driving positive change within your organisations. 

15) Putting The Human Back Into HR: Success as an HR Professional Begins With You by Carol Howard 

"Putting The Human Back Into HR" by Carol Howard gives reason to empathy, genuineness, and connection within the HR circle. It gives very workable tips on how to build valuable relationships, create a positive workplace culture, and lead with much compassion.  

This is surely a refreshing read for professionals wanting to make a real difference within their organisation because of Howard's emphasis on the human side of HR.

16) The Big Book of HR by Barbara Mitchell and Cornelia Gamlem 

In sum, "The Big Book of HR" by Barbara Mitchell and Cornelia Gamlem describes everything on how to manage, from recruitment and retention to performance management and relationships with employees in detail. This book shares practical advice and best practices for those in the people profession at any level in their careers. 

17) The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell 

The Essential HR Handbook by Sharon Armstrong and Barbara Mitchell is a concise, practical manual for managing Human Resources. It provides hiring, employee orientation, performance evaluation instruction and adherence to regulations along with simple advice for HR experts.  

For overburdened HR practitioners who are pressed for time or require assistance with everyday HR problems, this book’s straightforward style and hands-on approach make it an ideal resource. 

18) Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice by Michael Armstrong 

“Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice” by Michael Armstrong is a comprehensive guide to HRM covering such topics as strategic Human Resource management and its topical issues; employee engagement; performance appraisal among others.  

To be precise, Armstrong goes into details that make his writing very informative even though it may not be easy reading but then again if you want to deepen your understanding about what HR practice entails go get yourself a copy of this book from any bookstore

19) Predictive HR Analytics: Mastering the HR Metric by Martin R. Edwards and Kirsten Edwards

In “Predictive HR Analytics,” Martin R. Edwards and Kirsten Edwards provide a step-by-step guide aimed at demonstrating how Human Resource professionals can use data and analytics to drive evidence-based decision making.  

With predictive modelling, data visualisation, and HR metrics as the central themes of this book, it covers all the nitty-gritty details which will be useful for Human Resource managers who want to anchor their strategies on hard evidence.  

The book is designed for all Human Resource practitioners irrespective of the sector they operate in with a view to enhancing their ability with respect to analysis so as ultimately lead towards making more informed choices based on evidence rather than guess work.

20) Investing in People: Financial Impact of Human Resource Initiatives by Wayne F. Cascio and John W. Boudreau

In “Investing in People”, Wayne F. Cascio and John W. Boudreau estimate the financial returns associated with various HR investments made by organisations. It also offers an explicit methodology for calculating ROI from HR practices within organisations following a sequential approach that lays out all the steps involved.  

Also provided are various methods that would enable professionals quantify value added through HR thereby justifying its impact on profit line. This book has been very helpful to any HR specialist who wants to establish reasonable business grounds on which he or she is undertaking actions related to this area of practice. 

21) The Practical Guide to HR Analytics: Using Data to Inform, Transform and Empower HR Decisions by Shonna D. Waters, Valerie N. Streets, Lindsay McFarlane, and Lindsay M. Sears

“The Practical Guide to HR Analytics” is a book that provides steps on how data and analytics can be introduced into organisations to guide Human Resource decisions. It includes everything from data capture through to analysis and data visualisation, and it also outlines practical applications meant to help HR Managers make strategic choices. 

 Therefore, this is an ideal reference material for the HR professional wishing to broaden their experience in the field of HR analytics because of its practicality, hands-on approach and hands-on examples.  

Boost your HR skills. Join in our Comprehensive HR course and Become a Strategic Leader in your Organisation - Start now!

Conclusion

Exploring these HR Management Books can significantly enhance your skills and broaden your understanding of the field. Each book offers unique insights, practical strategies, and fresh perspectives to help you navigate the challenges of HR. Whether you're looking to build a solid foundation, develop strategic thinking, or drive innovation within your organisation, these essential reads will equip you with the tools and knowledge to excel in your role. 

Master the art of strategic HR! Join in our HR Strategy Training now and shape the future of your workplace.