The article explores and summarizes the approaches of scientists to the definition of "personnel management", forms the author's definition as a set of interrelated methods, principles and forms of organizational mechanism for the formation, reproduction, development and utilization of personnel, creating optimal work conditions and employee motivation. The application of personnel management methods in successful business entities is analyzed on the example of companies included in the rankings of the best employers of Ukraine, in particular, whose production facilities are located in Sumy region - "Mondelis Ukraine" (Trostyanets) and "Farmak" (Shostka). It is concluded that the successful implementation of personnel management strategy (HR-strategy) is possible only with the correct composition of tools of administrative and economic influence, which can be supported (depending on financial capacity, management sentiment, accepted business practices, etc.) by socio-psychological methods. According to Hay-McBerAssociates' approach, six leadership styles have been identified. The author's vision presents their evolution (from the use of mostly administrative to the most modern methods (including coaching). The personnel management system of the «Sumy Road Maintenance Department Branch» has been studied. An assessment of the capabilities of this company to improve the efficiency of the existing personnel management system was made. Proposals for modernization of personnel management policy within the framework of administrative and economic methods in their interconnection and effective interaction are given. The most appropriate style of personnel management at the current stage of development of the organization is "visionary", which contributes to the formation of a successful long-term development strategy and the creation of perspectives for staff. But in today's reality, this style must be abandoned with the prospect of moving to a democratic version, reducing the share of administrative methods and increasing the importance of economic methods as more progressive methods of stimulating labor. In addition, it is determined that to increase the efficiency of personnel management of the Branch it is proposed to use modern HR-software with the use of cloud technologies for application in management activities. The analysis of IT-operators and their products allowed to identify quite interesting proposals (Microsoft, SAP, Terrasoft), but the main limitation to the use of these programs in the activities of the Branch is the high cost of use (up to 50,000 UAH / month). That is why we offer to utilize the software product "PeopleHR" of the company "PeopleFource", which has not yet gained much popularity in the Ukrainian market. This is a fairly full-featured program aimed at medium-sized businesses. It was also decided to focus on the system of additional bonuses for staff depending on the length of service and compliance with labour discipline, as the most effective method of improving the efficiency of employees.

personnel management, administrative, economic and socio-psychological methods, HR-strategies, personnel management styles, efficiency of personnel management, HR-software, work experience, labor discipline, additional bonuses.