CH7: Human Resources Management Flashcards
How does Inc.com (2020) define employee motivation?
It is the level of energy, commitment, and creativity employees bring to their jobs.
Why is motivation a constant concern for management?
Because motivated employees drive performance regardless of economic conditions.
What are two competing theories regarding how to motivate employees?
Incentive-based motivation and empowerment/employee involvement.
Why is employee motivation often problematic for small businesses?
Owners may struggle to delegate responsibilities due to emotional investment in the company.
What are the risks of low motivation in small businesses?
Complacency, disinterest, widespread discouragement, and potential crises.
What unique advantage do small businesses have in motivating staff?
Employees see direct results of their work, and feedback is immediate and visible.
How does a motivated workforce benefit the business owner?
It allows the owner to focus on long-term development rather than daily operations.
How can reward and recognition programs help reinforce motivation?
They highlight accomplishment and create emotional satisfaction that enhances retention.
Why is self-realisation linked to motivation?
Humans naturally want to nurture and grow something, and seeing progress is intrinsically rewarding.
What key traits do motivated employees exhibit?
Initiative-taking, willingness to take responsibility, innovation, and drive to excel.
How does motivation affect employee initiative?
Motivated employees don’t need micromanagement; they seek solutions and own responsibilities.
According to QuestionPro.com (2020), what organisational climate does motivation foster?
Positive workplace atmosphere, happy and secure co-workers, satisfied clients, and higher performance outcomes.
How does motivation influence client satisfaction?
Motivated employees are more engaged, which improves service delivery and customer experience.
What is the relationship between motivation and performance?
Motivated employees consistently outperform their unmotivated counterparts.
How does employee motivation affect turnover?
Higher motivation reduces turnover by increasing engagement and loyalty.
What impact does motivation have on workplace safety and morale?
It improves cooperation, emotional well-being, and adherence to safe practices.
Why is motivation critical during both economic growth and downturns?
It maintains productivity, resilience, and adaptability regardless of external conditions.
What is the ideal motivational outcome in a work environment?
Employees find personal accomplishment in their work and are supported by structured recognition.
What is benefit administration in HRM?
Managing legally required and optional employee benefits such as pension, medical aid, leave, and insurance.
List examples of employee benefits.
Pension, medical aid, maternity leave, canteen access, crèche, group life insurance, unemployment and accident insurance.
What is the employer’s duty regarding health and safety?
To ensure a safe and healthy workplace to prevent illness, injuries, and productivity loss.
How do unsafe workplaces affect productivity?
They lead to absences, injuries, and reduced employee morale.
What is the HR manager’s responsibility in labour relations?
To maintain open communication and facilitate fair collective bargaining between staff and management.
What is the purpose of record-keeping in HR?
To track essential employee information such as applications, leave, appraisals, and salary history.
Why is accurate HR record-keeping important?
It ensures compliance, aids decision-making, and supports performance evaluation and legal documentation.
According to the WFPMA (2018), what are the top HR challenges?
Change management, leadership development, HR effectiveness measurement, and organisational effectiveness.
What other HR challenges are emerging globally?
Globalisation, employee retention, managing multicultural and female workforce, retrenchment, technological adaptation, and responding to government policy changes.
Why is globalisation a major HRM challenge?
It demands diverse, mobile, and highly skilled talent capable of competing in international markets.
How does technology challenge HRM?
HR must adopt new tools for recruitment, training, and performance management to stay competitive.
Why must HRM continuously evolve in the 21st century?
Rapid economic, technological, and cultural changes require adaptable, strategic, and forward-thinking HR practices.
What is the evolved role of HRM in modern organisations according to Williams Olalekan?
HRM has shifted from traditional administrative roles to strategic functions that contribute measurable value through talent development, performance, and aligning with business goals.
What are the core functions of HRM listed in the case study?
Job analysis, Recruitment and orientation, Training and performance management, Compensation and benefits, Dispute resolution, Internal communication.
What strategic challenges does globalisation pose to HR managers?
Managing a multicultural workforce, international labour mobility, global competition for talent, and ensuring effective global HR practices across borders.
According to the WFPMA survey, what were the top four HRM challenges?
Change management (48%), Leadership development (35%), HR effectiveness measurement (27%), Organisational effectiveness (25%).
What is a common criticism of HR departments in many modern organisations?
That they act as non-strategic, transactional cost centres rather than as trusted strategic partners who understand business needs and contribute to long-term planning.
Why is talent acquisition and management a major challenge in HR today?
Because many organisations lack proactive strategies, fail to align talent efforts with business goals, and do not properly assess or plan for workforce capabilities and gaps.
What is the relationship between technology and HR challenges?
Rapid technological changes require HR to upskill employees, adjust recruitment and training practices, and integrate new digital tools, all while maintaining workforce relevance.
How does employee retention tie into HR’s strategic role?
Retaining skilled employees supports business continuity and competitiveness. HR must develop flexible, inclusive environments and offer growth opportunities to reduce turnover.
What misconception about HR’s role limits its impact in some organisations?
The belief that HR is only an administrative or compliance function, rather than a driver of strategic value and organisational performance.
What long-term mindset must HR leaders adopt to be effective in the 21st century?
HR leaders must be proactive, business-aligned, data-driven, and focused on talent planning, leadership development, and organisational agility to support competitive success.
