“Human Resource Management in the Society of Jesus: A Corporate Perspective” is a significant contribution by Dr. Francis Ezhakunnel, SJ. Though there are many books on the Society of Jesus, this one is unique. It has many relevant and distinct features that we do not find in other books on management and religious congregations. It speaks about the need, importance, and relevance of human resource management in the Society. The author integrates both the theoretical and practical aspects of management of human resources in the Church, and church related organizations.

The book analyses The Constitutions of the Society of Jesus and The Spiritual Exercises and interprets them from the perspectives of HR management. It is reader friendly and is applicable to all religious and priests though the arguments are developed on the basis of The Constitutions and The Spiritual Exercises. Besides discussing the context and importance of HR management in the Church and in the Society, the book elaborates on recruitment and selection practices, formation (training and development) of the candidates, manifestation of conscience (performance management) and discernment (decision-making).

The book is an interesting, informative and illuminating piece of research and the analysis well done. It offers a unique way of looking at Ignatian Spirituality from the HR management perspective. All of us want to be effective, efficient and resourceful in life. How can we be effective, efficient, skilful, knowledgeable, and competent? The book could be an aid to discover this.

• Francis Ezhakunnel, SJ

jivanmagazineadmin