In chapter one the first key point is the challenges that HR managers have. To list the challenges they are: Going global, embracing technology, managing change, developing human capital, responding to the market, and containing cost. In my studies I have learned that HR faces many challenges. Along with these challenges there are many functions that an HR manager must be able to do.
HR managers also have a lot of responsibility. First and foremost are the laws that deal with employees. Diversity is a big thing now and to make sure that a company has a good mixture of culture and race is very difficult. Some other responsibilities are advice and counsel, service, policy formulation and implementation, and employee advocacy. HR executives must be able to consider problems from the viewpoint of line managers and supervisors but also skill in communication with the managers and supervisors. HR managers also engage in activities such as recruiting, selecting, testing, planning and conducting training programs, and hearing employee concerns and complaints. They also propose and draft new policies or policy revisions to cover recurring problems or to prevent anticipated problems. As a HR manager you must listen to the employees’ concerns and represent their needs to managers.

Economic disparity in the U.S was at one time extremely bad in which the government had to take action. This is when the government came introduced The Equal Employment Opportunity Act (EEO). There are major federal laws that attempt to correct social problems of the protected classes. A protected class is individuals of a minority race, women, older people, and those with disabilities who are covered by federal laws on EEO. Some of the laws are equal pay act of 1963, civil rights act of 1964, age discrimination in employment act of 1967, EEO act of 1972, pregnancy