Human resource management (HRM) involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling how an organization acquires, develops, and manages its human resources. HRM is affected by various external environmental factors outside an organization's control, including the labor market, society, unions, shareholders, competition, customers, technology, the economy, and legal considerations. The document discusses how these external factors can influence an organization's human resource policies and management. It also examines the parties responsible for performing HRM tasks, such as human resource managers, outsourcing, shared service centers, and line managers. Finally, it explores how cultural and technological environments can impact HRM practices.