1.4 Managing People Flashcards
Why is effective staffing important?
To ensure that a business has the right people, in the right roles, with the right support, with opportunities to succeed.
What does effective staffing lead to?
It leads to higher productivity, more profits and a positive work environment
Why are staff viewed as both an asset and a cost?
Staff are an asset because they bring knowledge, skills and expertise to the business. Staff are a cost because staffing costs are one of the largest costs for businesses.
What would the impact of a raise in minimum wage be on staffing costs?
If minimum wage increases it will cause businesses that employ on a wage basis to have higher labour costs
What is a flexible workforce?
The developments of a culture where workers are equipped to do different roles or where they work in a range of employment patters.
What are the ways to develop a flexible work force?
Multi-spilling, flexible hours and home working, outsourcing, part time and temporary
What are the pros and cons of multi-skilling?
+ Businesses use their workforce more efficiently so reduce labour costs and increase productivity
+ Help improve patient outcomes in healthcare industries
- May require significant investment, training
- May not be appropriate for all job roles
What are the pros and cons of Part-time and temporary working?
+ Flexible working arrangements help businesses to attract and retain talent
+ May improve productivity because workers can choose when to work
- Flexible working can create challenges in terms of communication
- Monitoring and managing flexible workers is harder
What are the pros and cons of outsourcing?
+ Allows access to specialised skills
+ Reduces labour costs
- Loss of control if the outsourcing comes from other countries
- Lower labour standards (ethical)
What is dismissal?
Dismissal is the termination of employment by an employer against the will of the employee.
What is redundancy?
Redundancy is when the job is no longer available and the business reduces the size of its workforce
What is recruitment?
Recruitment is the process of attracting and identifying potential job candidates who are suitable for a particular role.
What is selection?
Selection is the process of choosing the best candidate
What are the stages of the recruitment and selection process?
- Define the role
- Determine the best source of candidates
- Advertise
- Receive applications
- The selection process
What are the costs associated with recruitment?
Advertising, recruiting and interviewing candidates. High labour turnover rates can increase these costs.
What are the costs of training?
Cost of trainers, training materials and facilities. The effectiveness of the training can impact these costs because if its bad more training might be needed.
What are the costs of selection?
Cost of background checks, visas. High labour turnover can increase these costs because they will have to do more back ground checks regularly
What are the 3 types of training provided by businesses?
On the job training, off the job training and induction training
What is induction training?
Induction training is a type of training that new employees receive when they start working for a company.
What are the pros and cons of induction training?
+ Helps employees understand their job and roles
+ Introduces employees to the company culture
+ Improves employee confidence and motivation
+ Reduces the time taken for them to become productive
- Can be time consuming and expensive
- May not cover all aspects of the job
- May not be effective in all cases, leading to employee dissatisfaction
What are the pros and cons of on the job training?
+ Employees learn new skills while still working
+ Training is tailored to the employees specific job role
+ Training is often more practical and relevant
+ Can be cost-effective
- Employees may make mistakes impacting productivity and quality
- Can be disruptive and require a trainer to stop working
- May not be effective leading to employee dissatisfaction
What are the pros and cons of off the job training?
+ Employees learn new skills outside of workplace which can bring new ideas into the workplace
+ Training can be tailored
+ Training can be used as a rewards or incentive
+ Can be cost-effective if training is online
- Can be expensive if travel and accommodation is needed
- Employees may miss work to attend the training
- Might not be directly applicable
What makes up the organisational design?
Span of control, Chain of command, Hierarchy and Centralised and decentralised structures
What is a span of control?
A span of control refers to the number of employees that a manager can effectively manage. Narrow = more layers, Wide = less layers
What is the chain of command?
The chain of command is the formal line of authority that flows from the top management to the lower-levels
What is the hierarchy?
The hierarchy refers to the levels of authority within the organisation
What is a centralised structure?
A centralised structure is one that the decision making is concentrated at the top of the organisation
What is a decentralised structure?
A decentralised structure is one that the decision making is distributed through the organisation and it promotes innovation
What are the organisational structures?
Tall, Flat and Matrix
What is a tall structure?
A tall structure has multiple levels of management and is more centralised. It has a long chain of command. It is common in large organisations that are complex like government agencies.
What is a flat structure?
A flat structure has less levels of management and is more decentralised. It has a short chain of command. It is common in small organisations or start ups.
What is a matrix structure?
A matrix structure is one that is usually built around products or projects that combines the functional ares of a business with a specialist team that operate the business.
What does Taylor’s motivation theory include?
Focuses on breaking down complex tasks and rewards by money (piece rate). The idea that everyone is motivated by money.
What are the pros and cons of Taylor’s theory?
+ Increased efficiency
+ Standardised procedures that reduces errors from workers
+ Specialisation
+ Clear hierarchy
+ Improved training
- Overemphasis on efficiency
- Workers may become bored of the same task the whole time
- Limited applicability
- Potential for exploitation (piece rate)
What does Mayo’s motivation theory include?
Focuses on the importance of social factors in the work place such as communication, motivation and job satisfaction
What are the pros and cons of Mayo’s theory?
+ Improved job satisfaction
+ Increased productivity
+ Better communication
+ Employee empowerment
+ Stronger teams
- Time consuming
- Lack of control
- Resistance to change
- Potential for conflict
- Limited applicability
What does Maslow’s motivation theory include?
It outlines the 5 tiers of human needs
1) Self actualisation
2) Esteem
3) Social needs
4) Safety needs
5) Physical needs
What are the pros and cons of Maslow’s theory?
+ Higher employee satisfaction
+ Increased motivation
+ Improved employee performance
- What works for one person might not work for others
- Expensive if people want different things
- Time consuming
What does Hertzberg’s motivation theory include?
The two factor theory that people are motivated by motivators and hygiene factors. Hygiene factors cause dissatisfaction if not done correctly whereas, motivators increase satisfaction.
What are some hygiene factors of Hertzberg’s theory?
Company policy
Working conditions
Coworker relations
Supervision
Pay
What are some motivators for Hertzberg’s theory?
Achievement
Recognition for achievement
Responsibility
Work
Advancement
What is an autocratic leader?
A leader that has complete control over decision making with little to no input from anyone else.
What is a laissez-faire leader?
A leader that takes a hands off approach and allows their team to manage their own work.
What is a democratic leader?
A leader which involves their team with decision making
What is a paternalistic leader?
A leader which takes on a parental role, making decisions in the best interest of their staff.
