Business Studies Chap 9

Question 1

Define on the meaning of stress

Answer 1

-Can be defined as a mental state or emotional strain or tension resulting from neg. or demanding circumstances
-May result in low self-esteem and morale for employees

Question 2

Outline the causes of stress in the business environment

Answer 2

-Working long hours without adequate breaks
-Staying abreast of the latest tech
-A lack of power and influence
-Unconductive working conditions

Question 3

Explain the importance of stress management in the workplace

Answer 3

-Stressed employees are more likely to miss work because they cannot cope, or because of serious health problem
-Managing workplace stress will minimize absenteeism and maintain productivity in the workplace
-Grievances or complaints that lead to staff turnover can be addressed if stress is well-balanced
-Conflict and interpersonal problems can be avoided if stress is managed at the workplace

Question 4

Ways in which employees can manage stress in the workplace

Answer 4

-Self-awareness will assist employees to minimize stress
-Take regular breaks to relax and recharge
-Ensure that effective time management strategies are practiced
-Try to avoid conflict situations with co-workers

Question 5

Define the term Crisis and give typical examples of crisis in the workplace

Answer 5

-Is an unforseen event that can cause major changes in an org.
EXAMPLES
-Power outages
-Supply shortages
-Tight deadlines
-An accident

Question 6

Suggest ways businesses can deal with crisis in the workplace

Answer 6

-Assess and evaluate the nature of the crisis
-Manage the seriousness of the situation by responding to the situation immediately
-Provide training and support to staff members affected by the situation
-Implement and evaluate the efficacy of the emergency plan during crisis

Question 7

Mention the Internal and external causes of change

Answer 7

INTERNAL
-New bus. objectives or goals
-New management
-Restructuring
-Retrenchment
EXTERNAL
-Political factors: change in gov. policy and international relations
-Social factors: Poverty/unemployment/HIV/AIDS -Economic factors: increase in the interest rate -Legal factors: the passing of laws

Question 8

What are the major changes that businesses and people deal with

Answer 8

UMEMPLOYMENT
-Occurs when employees lose their jobs due to resignation for a better position, being fired or choosing to stop working
RETRENCHMENT
-Occurs when a bus. reduces the number of workers in the bus. or org. to reduce the cost of the salaries and wages bill.
GLOBALISATION
-Due to the narrowing of global market, bus. can trade in different countries
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
-The aim of the policy is to ensure representation of women, people with disabilities and black S.ANS affected in bus.

Question 9

Suggest strategies businesses can use to deal with globalization and affirmative action

Answer 9

GLOBALISATION
-Source overseas manufacturers/materials/suppliers etc to ensure the bus. stays competitive
-Build a strategy for connecting with gov. around the world
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
-All staff should work together and practice mindfulness about their jobs
-Self-employment opportunities should be explored.

Question 10

Recommend ways businesses can deal with change in the workplace

Answer 10

-Management should adhere to the plan and not move away from it
-All employees should be participative in the transformation process
-Bus. should recognize that change creates stress and disequilibrium for employees
-Employers should engage employees in the process of change to build trust