The characteristics that tend to shape the way a firm manages its people include:

A) the leadership of the top management team
B) the firm's culture
C) technology
D) business strategy
E) all of the above

All of the above factors tend to shape the way a firm manages its people. The leadership of the top management team sets the tone for the rest of the organization, and can influence the culture of the firm. The culture of the firm itself can also have a significant impact on how employees are managed, as well as the business strategy they pursue. Finally, technology can have a major impact on how employees work, communicate, and collaborate, which in turn can shape the management practices of a firm.