1.4.1 Approaches to staffing

Question 1

what is multi-skilling

Answer 1

• where staff are allowed to carry out a variety of tasks rather than specialised
• enables greater use of job rotation
• common inservice industries

Question 2

drawbacks of flexible working

Answer 2

• additional admin involved in setting up and running
  potential loss of customers if key employees reduce their working hours
• lower employee productivity

Question 3

what is a trade union

Answer 3

• represent: represent and protect the interests of the employees
• negotiate: negotiate on behalf of empoloyees with the employer

Question 4

main methods of industrial action

Answer 4

• work - to - rule - employees follow strict conditions of their employment contract
• overtime ban - employees refuse to work overtime, ineffective in quite period
• Go - slow - working at the slowest pace allowed in their contract
• strike - stopping work all together, last resort

Question 5

what is staff as a cost

Answer 5

• treats employees simply as a resource of the business
• strong link with corporate business planning
• we need , how do we get them and how much will they cost

Question 6

what is staff as an asset

Answer 6

• treats employees as the most important resource in the business and a source of competitive advantage
• employees as treated as individuals and their needs are planned accordingly

Question 7

what is collective bargaining

Answer 7

where workers negotiate employment terms as a group rather than individually to increase their power