6) UNIT 2 - Employee Relations

Question 1

what is employee relations

Answer 1

term for the relationship between management and employees within an organisation

Question 2

what will good employee relations result in

Answer 2

• usually much happier workers
• more motivated workers
• committed to the goals of the business;
• more accepting of change
• more flexible in their response to requests;
• more able to recognise the need for the organisation to achieve its objectives.

Question 3

what will bad employee relations result in

Answer 3

• less cooperation of the workforce;
• more industrial action;
• a poor image for the organisation for its customers and as an employer

Question 4

what is the role of the employee in employee relations

Answer 4

•comply with rules and procedures of the organisation

Question 5

what is the role of management in employee relations

Answer 5

•inform, consult anf negotiate with employees and their representatives in agreeing to terms and conditions of employment

Question 6

what is a trade union

Answer 6

•represent employees when dealing with management on a national scale

Question 7

what is the role of professional associations in employee relations

Answer 7

•make sure all members/employees meet strict regulation standards - have the power to struck people off for misconduct

e.g. general dental council

Question 8

what is the role of employers associations in employee relations

Answer 8

• bodies set up by whole industries to allow them to network and provide a voice for employers
• act as a pressure group to raise issues that concern UK employers

Question 9

what is ACAS

Answer 9

•an independent body set up by the government to resolve disputes between management and employers

Question 10

what is the role of the trade union in employee relations

Answer 10

1) collectively bargain with management for changes to pay and working conditions
2) assist with grievance procedures by providing legal advice to members
3) advise members of appropriate courses of industrial action
4) provide legal expertise e.g. if going to court provide lawyers
5) represent views of members to management

Question 11

How do members benefits from trade unions

Answer 11

• collective voice is stronger than individual
• collective bargaining secures improvements in pay and working conditions
• get expertise advice from union in disciplinary and grievance procedures
• offer insurance services at competitive rates to members

Question 12

what is the role of ACAS in industrial disputes

Answer 12

provide a service offering:

• advice
• conciliation
• arbitration

Question 13

describe the type of advice ACAS can offer in industrial disputes

Answer 13

•advise employees, trade unions, management on how to settle a dispute between parties

Question 14

describe conciliation

Answer 14

to listen to both sides and suggest a compromise that both parties agree to

Question 15

describe arbitration

Answer 15

• to make a decision independently to resolve a dispute

* both parties agree to accept decision of arbitrator prior to the decision being made

Question 16

what is an appraisal and what is it used for

Answer 16

• an annual meeting between an employee and their line manager to evaluate employees performance
• used to identify whether employees are meeting the standards that are set out in the terms of their contract of employment

Question 17

why is an appraisal useful/ benefits of an appraisal

Answer 17

• set appropriate targets for employees - encourages them to work towards full potential
• identify skill gaps and decide on training requirements
• managers can identify employees ready for promotion- performing very well
• increases staff motivation when they receive positive feedback - decrease in staff turnover and absenteeism

Question 18

what can management do when an employee is found to be under performing

Answer 18

use a range of disciplinary strategies such as:

• identify and discuss potential factors that could be affecting performance and offer advice and support
• strategies to support employee e.g. counselling, training
• set targets for improvement through a personal improvement plan (PIP)
• implement first stage of disciplinary procedure

Question 19

where should the disciplinary procedure stated

Answer 19

in the contract of employment

Question 20

describe an example of a very basic disciplinary procedure

Answer 20

1) Verbal warning:
issued by line manager and recorded by HR department in employee notes

2) Written warning:
issued by HR department with improvement targets outlined

3) Final warning:
issued by HR with terms of ending employment outlined if employee does not meet criteria in letter

Question 21

what is a grievance procedure

Answer 21

• Procedure used when an employee is unhappy with their terms and conditions of employment.
• It allows them to bring up concerns with their employer

Question 22

describe the 4 advantages of collective bargaining

Answer 22

• Representing a large number of people improves negotiating possibilities - increases the chances of success
• agreements met are on a national level so many people benefit
• reduces the number of individual meetings needed to resolve a common problem
• provides better pay and working conditions for employees - avoids exploitation