2.5 - making human resource decisions

Question 1

hierarchal organisational structure

Answer 1

• long chain of command
• easier to control due to multiple areas of management
• chances for promotion
• costly
• slows communication

Question 2

flat organisational structure

Answer 2

• few levels of management
• wide span of control
• more flexible
• line of authority is sometimes unclear

Question 3

centralised decisions

Answer 3

made by senior managers
BUT may decrease employee motivation

Question 4

decentralised decisions

Answer 4

involves branches of employees, who may know customers better on a personal level
BUT loss of control

Question 5

importance of effective communication

Answer 5

ensures business objectives are clear, so employees feel motivated by knowing their role within the business

Question 6

impact of poor communication

Answer 6

• lack of motivation –> decrease customer service –> unsatisfied customers –> poor brand image

Question 7

barriers to effective communication

Answer 7

• using inappropriate mediums (gossip??)
• being angry o tired
• use of jargon
• too little/much info

Question 8

types of working

Answer 8

• full time
• part time
• flexible hours
• permanent contract
• temporary contract
• freelance contract

Question 9

impact of flexible working

Answer 9

• control over costs because they can increase or decrease its capacity when it needs to
• BUT employees might produce low quality work because they are not committed to business due to lack of long term job security

Question 10

impact of technology on working

Answer 10

• remote working: saves time from commuting –> less tired –> work from home improves motivation –> better productivity

Question 11

key roles and responsibilities within a business (5)

Answer 11

• director: evaluate business performance/goal-setting
• senior management: management and leadership
• supervisors/team leaders: leading a group of workers, providing training, support, motivation
• operational staff: carry out key operations
• support staff: provides service to support main function of business

Question 12

documentation required during recruitment process

Answer 12

• application form
• person specification
• CV
• job description

Question 13

benefits of internal recruitment

Answer 13

• cheaper
• candidates already familiar with business, less time needed to adapt
• promotional opportunities give motivation

Question 14

benefits of external recruitment

Answer 14

• more applicants
• new skills and ideas brought to the business

Question 15

formal training benefits and drawbacks

Question 16

formal vs informal training

Answer 16

structured training that allows employees to develop their knowledge and skills through a course/workshop/seminar, unlike informal which takes place at work (on the job)

Question 17

benefits and drawbacks of formal training

Answer 17

• may be provided by external specialists
• may offer formal qualifications
• expensive and time consuming
• employees may have to stop working while training, reducing productivity of business

Question 18

benefits and drawbacks of informal training

Answer 18

• cheaper and less time consuming
• gives employees real experience
• can be stressful if they are trying to complete job without relevant skills –> forces them to take responsibility by seeking further training

Question 19

importance of training employees

Answer 19

• motivation
• retention: investing money into training them shows they value their employees, convincing them to stay in the business
• skills

Question 20

impact of technology on training

Answer 20

• training is more flexible as it can be accessed online
• BUT they need to be retrained every time tech develops which can be expensive

Question 21

importance of motivation

Answer 21

• increase productivity –> good brand image –> attract more good employees

Question 22

financial methods of motivation

Answer 22

• remuneration
• bonus
• commission
• promotion
• fringe benefits

Question 23

non financial methods of motivation

Answer 23

• job rotation: give employees chance to work in other areas to develop new skills and experiences
• job enrichment: develops skills by giving them opportunity to lead and make key decisions
• autonomy: let them make their own decisions about how to work and achieve goals

Question 24

define remuneration

Answer 24

the money employees are paid in return for working in a business

Question 25

define fringe benefits

Answer 25

additional employment perks awarded to employees