Human Resources

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What are the 3 main objectives and targets of the human resource function?
1. Matching workforce skills to requirements and making full use of potential 2. Minisming labour costs 3. Maintaining good employee/employer relations
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What is human resource management?
The design, implementation and maintenance of strategies to manage people for optimum business performance
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Two types of HRM
Hard HRM = assets, cost effective, high absteneeism and labour turnover Soft HRM= long term development, motivation and high costs
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What is workforce planning?
The method by which a business forecasts how many and what type of employees it needs
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Benefit of workforce planning?
Competitive advantage, planning and improved communication
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Issues with workforce planning?
Costly, relations, training and image
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What is centralisation?
Top-down approach, one-way communication, implemenation ease, economies of scale, co-ordination BUT reduced motivation
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What is decentralisation?
More layers in hierarchy, more responsibility, diseconomies of scale
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What is out-sourcing?
Sub-contracting work to other firms
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What are work councils?
Committees of management and workforce representatives that meet to discuss company wide issues
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What are trade unions?
Organisations of workers that seek improved working conditions through collective bargaining
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Advantages of a well-motivated workforce
Better productivity, lower levels of absenteeism, lower levels of staff turnover, improved industrial relations, good reputation, improved product quality
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What is Frederick Herzberg's two-factor theory?
Motivators = factors that DIRECTLY motivate people to work harder and HYGEINE = factors that do not motivate if they are there, but can demotivate if not present
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What are Herzberg's motivators?
Personal achievement, recognition, interest in the work itself, responsibility, growth and advancement
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What are Herzberg's hygeine factors?
Pay and other financial rewards, supervision of employees, working conditions, company policy and administration, relationship with fellow workers
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What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
Maslow established five levels of human needs that can be satisfied through employment
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From 1 to 5, what are Maslow's levels of need?
1. Psychological needs (food, drink, shelter) 2. Security needs (contract of employment, safe working conditions) 3. Social needs (sense of belongining) 4. Esteem (recognition and achievement) 5. Self-actualisation (fulfilling potential)
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What did Fredritkc Taylor believe motivated people?
Motivation is an external factor achieved through MONEY. Employees should be closely monitored and paid piece-rate
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What is the piece-rate system?
Employees are paid according to the quantity they produce?
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How do engaged emplyees improve business performance?
Increased sales and they can be creative and innovative, have good relations with customers and protect the positive image of the business
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How do motivated employees improve business performance?
Keeps labour costs down as high levels of productivity and low levels of labour turnover
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What is job enrichment?
Redesigning employees' jobs to provide them with more challenging and complex tasks
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What is empowerment?
A series of actions designed to give employees greater control over their working lives
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What are Hackman and Oldham's five ways to motivate employees?
1. Skill variety 2. Task identity 3. Task significance 4. Autonomy 5. Feedback
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Why is communication so important?
Easy to implement change, more motivated workforce, achieve objectives, improve competitiveness
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What are the barriers to effective communication?
Language, noise, overload, emotion, gaps, inconsistency
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What do trade unions do?
Represent their members and to negotiate with employers
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Advantages of unionisation from the employers' point of view
Negotiation with trade unions saves time and costs, part of communication process, high staff morale, trade unions can be support partner when business is undergoing change
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What are the main forms of industrial disputes?
Work-to-rule, overtime ban. go-slow and strike
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What is the work-to-rule?
Employees follow strict conditions of their contract, no voluntary overtime, no participation in supporting activities
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What is the overtike ban?
Employees refuse to work overtime
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What is go-slow?
Employees work at their slowest or least-productive pace that is allowable under their contract
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What is a strike?
Action of last resort, boycott job
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How can a business prevent industrial action?
Regular consultations with trade union, staff forum to collect ideas, employee consultativebody, regular feedback sessions
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What is human resource management?

Back

The design, implementation and maintenance of strategies to manage people for optimum business performance

Card 3

Front

Two types of HRM

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What is workforce planning?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Benefit of workforce planning?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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