2.5 - making human resource decisions Flashcards
what is an organizational structure
how a business organises its staff to represent the different layers of management.
What is a hierarchical structure
Also known as a tall structure
Has many layers of management, and businesses with this structure often use a ‘top-down’ approach with a long chain of command
managers will have a narrow span of control and a relatively small number of subordinates (staff).
What is a flat structure
only a few layers of management.
managers have a wide span of control with more subordinates, and there is usually a short chain of command.
Flat organisational structures are commonly used by smaller businesses or those adopting a more modern approach to management.
Define span of control
the number of staff that a manager has responsibility for
Define chain of command
the route by which instructions and communications flow from the top to the bottom of a business, explaining who is answerable to whom
Define delayering
a process where a business removes layers of its management to make its structure more flat
define delegation
a process where tasks are given to members of staff, where often managers give tasks to employees further down the chain of command
define subordinates
members of staff below a manager in the chain of command
What is a centralised organisational structure
Where business decisions are made at the top of the business or in a head office and distributed down the chain of command
What is a decentralised organisational structure
where a business allows decisions to be made by managers and subordinates further down the chain. This structure provides staff with more decision-making responsibilities
What are 4 advantages of a centralised management structure
consistency across the business
the business has a clear direction
operations and decisions are closely controlled and managed
the chain of command and accountability are clear
What are 4 disadvantages of a centralised management structure
it can demotivate employees
a standardised approach may not work in all business locations
it may lower productivity
What are 3 advantages of a decentralised management structure
improved employee motivation
allowing managers lower down the chain to make decisions to suit their local area and customers
more responsibility for employees
What are 3 disadvantages of a decentralised management structure
consistency is not achieved across the business
managers can make ineffective decisions
may negatively impact sales and overall business performance, eg because of ineffective decisions by managers lower down the chain
What are flexible hours
You are given a set amount of hours per week and you can choose when you work those hours
What is a freelance contract
where a self-employed individual is engaged to carry out a specific piece of work over a defined period of time.
What are the 3 types of hours
Full time
Part time
Flexible
What are the 3 types of contracts
Permanent
Temporary
Freelance
What do directors do
They are at the top of the organizational structure.
they make the key decisions
What do senior managers do
They sit bellow directors and are the highest level of management they make day to day operational decisions
What do supervisors and team leaders do
they sit bellow senior managers and often manage a team of employees providing them with their daily duties
What do operational staff do
They complete tasks that fulfil the purpose of a business. eg. a checkout operator
What do support staff do
They assist with the daily operation and running of a business. Their duties do not directly contribute to the overall operation or purpose of a business
Eg. cleaners and maintenance workers
What is a person specification
A document created by a business that wants to fill a vacancy.
This document provides information about the type of person the business wants to hire.
A person specification includes details about the educational background, skills, experience and hobbies the business wants applicants to have.
It is often split into essential and desirable
What is a Job description
a document produced by a business that wants to fill a vacancy.
Its main purpose is to list all of the duties that are required in the role.
What is an application form
a form completed by a potential employee when they apply for a job.
What is CV
a document that applicants complete and submit alongside a job application with all of their skills experiences and qualifications on it
define motivation
The reasons an employee has for working - how driven and happy they are in their role.
What are the financial methods of motivation(5)
- Remuneration - Their wages
- Bonuses
- Commission
- Promotion
- Fringe benefits eg. free holidays, company car ect.
What are the non-financial methods of motivation(3)
Job rotation - adding variety into an employees day to day role
Job enrichment - giving them more responsibility/ freedom
autonomy - the degree to which employees are able to make decisions about their day-to-day roles
what are the 2 types of job rotation
different job roles - eg. fixing lights or fixing tires
and
Different duties within their role eg. developing a website or developing a software package
