Book excerpt: Robbins/Judge provide the research you want in the language your students understand; accompanied with the best selling self-assessment software, SAL. Some topics include management functions; the social sciences; helping employees balance work and other responsibilities; improving people skills; improving customer service; motivational concepts; communication; power and politics; conflict and negotiation; culture; and stress management. Globally accepted and written by one of the most foremost authors in the field, this is a necessary read for all managers, human resource workers, and anyone needing to understand and improve their people skills.