2.3 Recruitment, selection and training of workers

Question 1

Describe the methods of recruiting and selecting workers.

Answer 1

1. Identify job vacancy 2. Have a job analysis (what does the job entail), write job description 3. Write person specification (what type of person is needed to fill the job) 4. Advertise job and send out details + application forms on request 5. Compare job applications with person specification to select a shortlist of best applicants to interview 6. Send invitations to attend interviews to shortlisted applicants/If not shortlisted, send letter of regret 7. Prepare and conduct job interviews 8. Send best application formal job offer 9. Draw up contract of employment

Question 2

Internal recruitment

Answer 2

Vacancy filled by employee already in business

Question 3

External recruitment

Answer 3

Vacancy filled by someone not in business/new

Question 4

Name the advantages + disadvantages of internal recruitment.

Answer 4

Ads: - Knows employee, monitored on close level - Save time/Less training - Motivation Disads: - Reduces range of employment skill - Opportunity cost - Unhappiness within organisation

Question 5

Name the advantages + disadvantages of part-time workers.

Answer 5

Ads: - Less pay/salary required - More dynamic if there are more part time workers - Allows employer to assess before working full time - (for employee) Does not require much time - (for employee) Flexibility Disads: - Less fluidity and cohesion in work - Unable to give large assignments - (for employee) less experience gained (for employee) less job security - Less commitment from employee - Overstretched management

Question 6

Name the advantages + disadvantages of full-time workers.

Answer 6

Ads: - Know business better than part-time workers - May be more experienced - More loyal to business - Available for longer hours - Can carry out more tasks/bigger projects Disads: - More expensive than part-time workers - Reduces diversity of skill set/experience - (for employees) requires much time - (for employees) not flexible

Question 7

Why is training needed?

Answer 7

Helps to increase efficiency, quality, productivity, customer service, safety and overall, success of business.

Question 8

What is ‘induction training’?

Answer 8

Training programme to help new recruits become familiar with workplace, people they work with and procedures they need to follow

Question 9

Benefits + limitations of induction training

Answer 9

Benefits: - Workers feel more familiar → more motivated + willing - Specific to business, relevant to what business requires Limitations: - Increases business costs - Induction trainers receive wage/salary but don’t contribute to output

Question 10

What is on-the-job training?

Answer 10

Training at the place of work (Watching an experienced worker)

Question 11

Benefits + limitations of on-the-job training.

Answer 11

Benefits: - Relatively cheap - Workers learn how business wants job done - Workers are producing output while training Limitations: - Slows down production of experienced worker - Workers may pick up bad habits from experienced workers - May not learn the most up-to-date methods

Question 12

What is off-the-job training?

Answer 12

Training that takes place away from the workplace

Question 13

Benefits + limitations of off-the-job training.

Answer 13

Benefits: - Workers learn latest methods, techniques - Doesn’t disrupt production of other workers Limitations: - Expensive - Worker doesn’t produce output in training - Training may not be specific to the business’ requirements

Question 14

What is ‘dismissal’?

Answer 14

Termination by the employer because the worker has broken company rules or is not performing work to the required standard

Question 15

What is ‘redundancy’?

Answer 15

Termination of employment by the employer because the job is no longer needed → may be given recompense

Question 16

What are situations where downsizing the workforce is necessary?

Answer 16

Introduction of automation
Falling demand for their products
Factory/shop/office closure
Relocating factory abroad
A business has merged or been taken over and some jobs are no longer needed

Question 17

Unfair dismissal

Answer 17

laws that protect worker from unfair dismissal, employers must have good reason to dismiss the employee
-> if the employee feels he/she has been unfairly dismissed,can take legal action against the employer

Question 18

Discrimination (treating one person/group less favorably than others, irrelevant to their work)

Answer 18

Laws protect workers from discrimination when recruiting new workers

• > Laws prevent discrimination from age, gender, race, colour, religion and disability
• > Trade unions also provide legal advice to support any of their members

Question 19

Health and safety

Answer 19

Health and safety laws enforced to ensure that environment of the workplace is
safe to work in
workers feel comfortable working there

Question 20

Legal minimum wage

Answer 20

Law prevent employers from exploiting workers by paying very low wages