3.6 Human Resources Flashcards
AQA A level Business HR
What are the 4 internal influences on HR objectives?
Corporate objectives Operational strategies Marketing strategies Financial strategies
What are the 5 external influences on HR objectives?
Market changes, Economic changes, Technological changes, Social changes, Political & legal changes
Give an example of how operational strategy can influence HR objectives
A new IT system can lead to a reduction in staffing levels
Give an example of how operational strategy can influence HR objectives
A social media marketing campaign can require new staffing skills
Define Soft HR
Type of HR management that sees employees as the most important resource and competitive advantage.Their needs and individuals are taken in account
Define Hard HR
Type of HR management that sees employees as just resources, like machinery
Characteristics of Soft HR
Flatter organisational structures, Strategic focus on long term work force planning, Strong and regular two-way communication, Competitive pay with suitable performance, Employees are empowered and encouraged to seek delegation and take responsibility, Appraisal systems focused on identifying and training employees to meet development needs, Suits democratic leadership style
Characteristics of Hard HR
Short-term changes in employee numbers, Minimal communication from the top down, Pay enough in order to recruit and retain, Little empowerment or delegation, Appraisal systems focused on making judgements about staff, Taller organisational structures, Suits autocratic leadership style
Formula for Labour Turnover
Number of employees leaving or staying durind a period/ Average number employed during a period X 100
Formula for Labour Productivity
Output per period/ Number of employees at work
Formula for Employees costs as a % turnover
Total employee cost/total turnover X100
Formula for labour costs per unit
Labour costs/Number of units produced
Give examples of HR objectives
Training, Alignment of value, Location of employees, Employee Engagement, Number of employees, Talent development, Employee involvement, Diversity
Main measures of employee effectiveness
Labour Productivity, Staff turnover, Absenteeism, Labour cost per unit, Employees costs as a % of turnover
What factors effect labour productivity?
Extent and quality of fixed assets, Skills, ability and motivation of workforce, Methods of production organisation, External factors
How can HR improve labour productivity?
Measure performance and set targets, Streamline production processes, Invest in capital equipment, Invest in employees training, Make the workplace conducive to productive effort
Factors influencing staff turnover/retention
Type of business: Seasonal, temp. staff, Pay and other rewards, Working conditions, Opportunities for promotion, Competitors actions, Standard of recruitment, Quality of communication in business, Employee loyalty, Labour mobility
Ways to improve staff turnover
Effective recruitment and training- best staff=best results, Provide competitive pay and other incentives, Job enrichment, Reward staff loyalty- service rewards, extra holiday
Ways to improve absenteeism
Understand the causes, Set targets and monitor trends, Have a clear absence and sickness policy, Provide rewards for good attendance, Consider the wider issues of employee motivation
Definition of span of control
Number of employees for whom a manager is responsible
Narrow span of control
Allows for closer supervision of employees, More layers of hierarchy may be required, Helps more effective communication
Wide span of control
Gives subordinates the chance for more confidence, More appreciated if labour costs are significant , Reduce numbers of managers
What is a hierarchical Structure?
Traditional form of organisational structure in business, Layers of hierarchy reflects levels of seniority, Tall or flat? Depends on number of layers, Associated with formal or bureaucratic management
Characteristics of flat hierarchy
Sometimes called “organistic”, Flat hierarchy, Wide spans of control, Delegation encouraged
