Human Resources is one of the largest shares of government budget at every level. The management of people who carry out the government's work is therefore a critical issue to politicians as well as citizens. This reference includes comprehensive sections on the history of civil service reform; the processes of human resource management; equal employment opportunity, affirmative action and diversity in government; unions and employee relations. This new edition will add extensive coverage of new government developments from personnel reforms under the Obama administration, pension issues, Labor Relations Reform and other changes to labor laws and policies, and performance initiatives.