2.5: Making human resource decisions Flashcards
What is an organisational structure
The way a business is structured to achieve its objectives; normally a hierarchy
What are some features of a hierarchical structure
- Long chain of command
- Small span of control
- Business easily controlled
- Promotion opportunities
- Costly
- Slows down effective communication
What are some features of a flat structure
- Short chain of command
- Wide span of control
- Flexible
- Authority can be unclear
- Cheap
What ais the difference between a centralised and decentralised structure
Centralised: all decisions by top commanders
Decentralised: decisions delegated to local managers of stores
What are some benefits of a centralised structure
- Easier to implement policies businesswide
- Quicker decisions
- Shows strong leadership
- High control
- Obvious accountability
What are some drawbacks of a centralised structure
- Could be a bit slow
- Less flexible customer service
- Lack of power for junior managers, so less motivation
What are some pros of a decentralised structure
- Junior managers know local needs
- Fewer mistakes
- Senior managers can deal with more serious issues
- Ups motivation
- Can train junior managers
What are some cons of a decentralised structure
- May not be strategic
- Harder to employ practices business-wide
- Requires good communication
- Managers must be chosen/trained with care
- Potential overspending
What is the difference between downsizing and delayering
Downsizing reduces span of control
Delayering reduces chain of command
What can poor communication affect
- Motivation
- Customer service
- Mistakes
- Employee understanding
- Implementation of decisions
- Brand image
What are the four types of communication
- Formal (approved by business)
- Informal (nonapproved, like gossip)
- Internal (within business)
- External (outside business, like customers)
What are some barriers to communication
- Inappropriate mediums
- Email system failure
- Cultural differences
- Jargon
- Too much/little information
What are the two main types of work contract
- Permanent: no fixed end date
- Temporary: fixed end date
What is a freelance contract
A self employed person tasked with something in a set amount of time, ususally creative
What are some pros and cons of full-time hours
Pros:
* Workers likely skilled & commited
* Better communication
Cons:
* More training & higher wages
What are some pros and cons of a part-time contract
Pros:
* Helpful in busy times
* Good for certain roles
* Less wages needed
Cons:
* Likely less skilled
* Less productive hours (10-30 hours)
What are some pros & cons of a flexible contract
Pros:
* Employees can set their own working times, higher productivity
* Reduced employee turnover
* More loyalty
Cons:
* Likely distractions
* Tricky communication
* More supervision necessary
What are the key roles in a business and their responsibilities
- 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
What are the steps of the recruitment process
- Draw up recruitment docs
- Attract potential employees
- Receive applications
- Shortlist
- Select right people
- Training
What is a job description and what does it contain
The essential information about a role. It has:
* job title
* who you are responsible to/for
* key duties
* salary/wage
What is a person specification
A description of the characteristics, qualifications, experience and skills required to meet the needs of a job description
What are the advantages of internal recruitment
- Fast and easy to promote
- Cheaper
- Candidates already know business
- Promotion opportunities are motivating
What are the advantages of external recruitment
- More applicants
- New ideas and skills
- Suitable for a growing workforce
What are the pros/cons of formal training
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
What are the pros and cons of informal training
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
What is performance management/ongoing training
Setting personal targets for employees and checking if they have been acheived
What does training affect
- Skills of employees
- Motivation
- Retention rates
- Productivity
- Necessary supervision
What can motivation do
- Creates a hardworking, flexible workforce
- Create commitment
- Reduce sick leave
- Improve customer service
- Improve communication
- Attract and retain employees
- Increase productivity
What are some financial methods of motivation
- 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)
What are some non-financial methods of motivation
- 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)
