1. How has the role of the manager changed in the last couple of decades? What forces have driven the changes?

2. Which theory of motivation do you find most compelling? What factors should you consider when choosing a motivational approach? Explain your answers.

3. If an employee falls short of meeting his or her goals, what factors should a manager consider before engaging in disciplinary action? Explain your answer.

4. Review the challenges that human resource departments face in today's business environment. Which issues are most daunting? Why?

5. Looking ahead, do you believe that job flexibility optionsfrom flextime, to telecommuting, to job sharingwill continue to grow at American businesses? Explain your answer.