1. Capital includes all resources a company uses to generate revenue. Human resources or the people working in the organization are the most important resource.

2. Human resource management is the process of employing people, training them, compensating them, developing policies relating to the workplace, and developing strategies to retain employees.

3. There are seven main responsibilities of HRM managers: staffing, setting policies, compensation and benefits, retention, training, employment laws, and worker protection.

4. In addition to being concerned with the seven internal aspects, HRM managers must keep up to date with changes in the external environment that may impact their employees. The trends toward flexible schedules and telecommuting are examples of external aspects.

5. To understand effectively how the external forces might affect human resources, it is important for the HR manager to read the HR literature, attend conferences, and utilize other ways to stay up to date with new laws, trends, and policies.

   *The assignment: Please connect with an HR professional. Interview them, asking specific questions regarding their 7 main areas of responsibility as well as how they stay current with trends and best practices. Complete a recap/summary of your interview and conversation, and lastly complete a self reflection. I am also asking that you include the name and contact information of the person you interviewed as part of your submission. If you struggle finding an HR professional, please email me, and I will provide a few names as options. HR professionals must be the advocate for the associates, but ultimately they must protect the business. I look forward to your "take away" from your interview, as well as your thoughts and reflection.