Large companies increasingly dominate national and international economies as aquisitions and mergers grow in volume, often now across national boundaries. As they grow and expand, big firms frequently reorganize themselves along multi-divisional lines to face their diverse markets, and to maximise their capital allocation, rates of return, and shareholder values. Often overlooked and insufficiently studied is the way these developments impact upon certain decisions concerning strategies for human resource management. Based on ten years of research in nine large companies, this book traces the development of the multi-divisional company and, using a strategic choice perspective, explores the way in which corporate decisions influence personnel management and human resource strategies. Using current case material, and the now well-known "management style matrix", the authors explore three issues in depth - the role of the corporate personnel department, the shaping of policy towards unions and collective bargaining, and the choice of management style. The ideas and perspectives outlined here have been thoroughly developed and tested with managers and students alike, and the book will be a useful and practical tool for all concerned with HRM in large organizations.