Approaches to staffing Flashcards
What is staff as an asset (SOFT HRM)
Treating employees as the most important resource in the business and a source of competitive advantage . Employees treated as individuals.
What is staff as a cost (HARD HRM)
Treating employees simply as a resource of the business. Strong link with corporate business planning.
What are the key features of treating staff as an asset (SOFT HRM)
- Strategic focus on longer-term workforce planning.
- Strong and regular two way communication
- Employees are empowered and encouraged to seek delegation and take responsibility.
- Flatter organisational structures
- Suits democratic leadership style.
What are the key features of treating staff as a cost (HARD HRM)
- Minimal communication,from the top down.
- Pay-enough to recruit and retain enough staff.
- Little empowerment or delegation.
- Taller organisational structures
- Suits autocratic leadership style
What is multi-skilling
Where staff are allowed to carry out a variety of tasks rather than specialise.
Multi-skilling key points include:
- Enables a greater use of job rotation.
- Common in service industries
- Puts a greater requirement on training.
What is the main distinction between dismissal and redundancy?
Dismissal- Employee dismissed because of break of contract or other unacceptable behaviour.
Redundancy- Employee loses job because job is no longer required by the business.
What are some benefits of employee representation?
- Increased empowerment and motivation of workforce.
- Employees become more committed to the objectives and strats of the business.
What are some drawbacks of employee representation?
- Time consuming- potentially slows decision making.
- Managers may feel that their authority is undermined.
What is a trade union?
An organisation that exists to promote the interests of its members (employees).
