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Business > 2.5: Making human resource decisions > Flashcards

2.5: Making human resource decisions Flashcards

1
Q

What is an organisational structure

A

The way a business is structured to achieve its objectives; normally a hierarchy

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2
Q

What are some features of a hierarchical structure

A
  • Long chain of command
  • Small span of control
  • Business easily controlled
  • Promotion opportunities
  • Costly
  • Slows down effective communication
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3
Q

What are some features of a flat structure

A
  • Short chain of command
  • Wide span of control
  • Flexible
  • Authority can be unclear
  • Cheap
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4
Q

What ais the difference between a centralised and decentralised structure

A

Centralised: all decisions by top commanders
Decentralised: decisions delegated to local managers of stores

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5
Q

What are some benefits of a centralised structure

A
  • Easier to implement policies businesswide
  • Quicker decisions
  • Shows strong leadership
  • High control
  • Obvious accountability
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6
Q

What are some drawbacks of a centralised structure

A
  • Could be a bit slow
  • Less flexible customer service
  • Lack of power for junior managers, so less motivation
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7
Q

What are some pros of a decentralised structure

A
  • Junior managers know local needs
  • Fewer mistakes
  • Senior managers can deal with more serious issues
  • Ups motivation
  • Can train junior managers
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8
Q

What are some cons of a decentralised structure

A
  • May not be strategic
  • Harder to employ practices business-wide
  • Requires good communication
  • Managers must be chosen/trained with care
  • Potential overspending
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9
Q

What is the difference between downsizing and delayering

A

Downsizing reduces span of control
Delayering reduces chain of command

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10
Q

What can poor communication affect

A
  • Motivation
  • Customer service
  • Mistakes
  • Employee understanding
  • Implementation of decisions
  • Brand image
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11
Q

What are the four types of communication

A
  • Formal (approved by business)
  • Informal (nonapproved, like gossip)
  • Internal (within business)
  • External (outside business, like customers)
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12
Q

What are some barriers to communication

A
  • Inappropriate mediums
  • Email system failure
  • Cultural differences
  • Jargon
  • Too much/little information
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13
Q

What are the two main types of work contract

A
  • Permanent: no fixed end date
  • Temporary: fixed end date
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14
Q

What is a freelance contract

A

A self employed person tasked with something in a set amount of time, ususally creative

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15
Q

What are some pros and cons of full-time hours

A

Pros:
* Workers likely skilled & commited
* Better communication
Cons:
* More training & higher wages

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16
Q

What are some pros and cons of a part-time contract

A

Pros:
* Helpful in busy times
* Good for certain roles
* Less wages needed
Cons:
* Likely less skilled
* Less productive hours (10-30 hours)

17
Q

What are some pros & cons of a flexible contract

A

Pros:
* Employees can set their own working times, higher productivity
* Reduced employee turnover
* More loyalty
Cons:
* Likely distractions
* Tricky communication
* More supervision necessary

18
Q

What are the key roles in a business and their responsibilities

A
  • Directors: overall business performance
  • Senior managers: management/leadership of key business functions
  • Supervisors/team leaders: leadership, performance management, training and support
  • Operational staff: key operations
  • Support staff:services that support a business’s main function
19
Q

What are the steps of the recruitment process

A
  1. Draw up recruitment docs
  2. Attract potential employees
  3. Receive applications
  4. Shortlist
  5. Select right people
  6. Training
20
Q

What is a job description and what does it contain

A

The essential information about a role. It has:
* job title
* who you are responsible to/for
* key duties
* salary/wage

21
Q

What is a person specification

A

A description of the characteristics, qualifications, experience and skills required to meet the needs of a job description

22
Q

What are the advantages of internal recruitment

A
  • Fast and easy to promote
  • Cheaper
  • Candidates already know business
  • Promotion opportunities are motivating
23
Q

What are the advantages of external recruitment

A
  • More applicants
  • New ideas and skills
  • Suitable for a growing workforce
24
Q

What are the pros/cons of formal training

A

Pros:
* May be provided by specialists
* May offer formal qualifications
* Workers trained in comfortable environment
Cons:
* Expensive and time-consuming
* May require employees to teach
* No practical experience

25
Q

What are the pros and cons of informal training

A

Pros:
* Cheaper than alternatives
* Employees get hands-on experience
* Workers feel appreciated
Cons:
* Can be stressful for new employees
* Payment still required
* Good mentor needed

26
Q

What is performance management/ongoing training

A

Setting personal targets for employees and checking if they have been acheived

27
Q

What does training affect

A
  • Skills of employees
  • Motivation
  • Retention rates
  • Productivity
  • Necessary supervision
28
Q

What can motivation do

A
  • Creates a hardworking, flexible workforce
  • Create commitment
  • Reduce sick leave
  • Improve customer service
  • Improve communication
  • Attract and retain employees
  • Increase productivity
29
Q

What are some financial methods of motivation

A
  • Salary (fixed amount a year)
  • Wages (fixed amount an hour)
  • Bonuses (extra)
  • Commission (based on sales value over time)
  • Piece rate (based on how much produced over time)
30
Q

What are some non-financial methods of motivation

A
  • Job rotation (doing several different jobs)
  • Job enrichment (more responsiblity and chance to lead)
  • Fringe benefits (perks, like a car)
  • Teamwork
  • Autonomy (employees able to make own decisions)

Business (11 decks)

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