This futuristic look at the new millennium, edited by Robert H. Stambaugh, addresses topics as diverse as Human Resource Information Systems, international HR, compensation systems, and succession planning. The editor has compiled a set of essays that reflect on the future of the Human Resources field and the tools and techniques that will be available to help us be successful.

An essay by Lynne Mealy discusses one of the largest influences on the workplace of the future – Generation X. This demographic group, born between 1965 – 1976, doesn’t resonate with the traditional, formal recognition and performance appraisal systems, for example. This is a segment of the workforce that is pushing for frequent feedback on how they make a difference and how their contributions affect the company’s success.

Ron Henson’s essay reveals that most experts agree that future organizational structures will be less hierarchical and more networked. Employees won’t be as dependant on face-to-face contact to get work accomplished. Technology will enable a global workforce to stay connected, and Human Resources must learn how to effectively use this emerging technology to meet its people management needs.

Sidney Simon’s essay urges HR practitioners to think more strategically and position themselves in the company Boardroom. He encourages HR professionals to learn the operations of their company and to actively search for ways they can add value through their efforts.

In an essay on succession planning, Ren Nardoni supports formal succession planning as a framework to eliminate discriminatory practices. With organizations rewriting the old "employment contract" that implied life-long employment and showing less commitment to individual employees, many Baby Boomers have felt isolated and on their own. Mr. Nardoni suggests that in the future, organizations must develop methods and systems to ensure that the most qualified successors are encouraged to stay with the organization.

Through these essays and several others, the book calls attention to critical issues on which Human Resource professionals must focus in order to grow the profession to its full potential. No real solutions are offered. Rather, it’s a wake-up call to be alert to the ever-changing reality of the new century.