Chapter 1 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary goal of human resource management (HRM) in today’s competitive environment?
A
To add value to the organisation and employees.
2
Q
How are successful organisations measured beyond profits?
A
By customer satisfaction, meaningful workplaces, job creation, environmental protection, and community impact.
3
Q
What has changed in the role of HR officers in South Africa over time?
A
HR officers have shifted from administrative roles to focusing on talent management, organisational design, and employee recognition.
4
Q
What is the consequence of competition regarding employee recruitment and training?
A
Employees cannot be hired just to fill positions, and training must be purposeful.
5
Q
What does onboarding entail?
A
The process from recruitment to full integration of a new employee into the organisational culture.
6
Q
What is the role of HR in creating an ethical organisational culture?
A
HR is the custodian of ethics, ensuring adherence to professional standards.
7
Q
What is the significance of the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP)?
A
It sets standards for the HR profession in South Africa.
8
Q
Name two disciplines that contribute to the study of HRM.
A
- Psychology
- Sociology
9
Q
What is the main focus of HRM compared to management?
A
HRM focuses on managing people rather than operational processes.
10
Q
What are the contributing areas of psychology that inform HRM?
A
- Learning
- Motivation
- Personality
- Perception
- Training
- Leadership effectiveness
- Job satisfaction
- Individual decision-making
- Performance appraisal
- Attitude measurement
- Employee selection
- Job design
- Work stress
11
Q
What does talent management include?
A
Attracting, utilising, engaging, developing, deploying, and retaining talented employees.
12
Q
True or False: HRM is solely the responsibility of the HR department.
A
False.
13
Q
What are the basic HRM focus areas?
A
- Employment and onboarding
- Talent management
- Organisational behaviour management
14
Q
What is the aim of organisational behaviour management?
A
To view the organisation as a total system affecting the behaviour of its members.
15
Q
What external challenges do organisations in South Africa face?
A
- Impact of Covid-19
- Rise of Industry 4.0
- Scarce skills
- Organisational culture
- Employment relations landscape
- Diversity and inclusivity
- Unemployment and social challenges
- Ethics
16
Q
Fill in the blank: HRM must align with the _______ of the organisation.
A
[organisational vision and goals]
17
Q
What is the relationship between HRM strategy and business strategy?
A
HRM strategy must be aligned with the business strategy to ensure organisational success.
18
Q
What is the significance of a supportive environment for new employees?
A
It helps them achieve high levels of excellence quickly.
19
Q
What is the importance of ethical companies in HRM?
A
They attract talented employees and gain customer loyalty.
20
Q
What does onboarding aim to achieve?
A
To ensure new employees can utilise their knowledge and skills immediately.
21
Q
What role does HR play in remuneration and rewards?
A
HR manages remuneration and rewards in consideration of market trends and employee profiles.
22
Q
What is the role of research methodology in HRM?
A
To inform HR strategies using research and statistical analyses.
23
Q
What is the definition of human resource management?
A
The development and application of policies, systems, practices, and procedures that align employee efforts with organisational performance.
24
Q
What is the primary role of HR in an organization?
A
To recruit talented individuals focused on achieving organizational goals
HR processes include training, development, and recognition.
25
Define strategic alignment in an organizational context.
The alignment of HR aspects like employment, orientation, and performance management with the organizational vision
## Footnote
It positions important aspects in relation to each other.
26
What is the purpose of HRM?
To align human resources and behavior with the organization's direction and objectives
## Footnote
This aims to make the organization competitive.
27
True or False: HR processes must be planned purposefully to ensure future success.
True
## Footnote
This includes employment, onboarding, training, and leadership development.
28
What significant event did South Africa experience on March 23, 2020?
A three-week lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic
## Footnote
This has had ongoing implications for HRM.
29
What is a key challenge for HRM during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Adjusting to digital work environments and managing virtual teams
## Footnote
This includes upskilling and reskilling employees.
30
Fill in the blank: The skills status of the South African workforce indicates a need for improvement in _______.
digital skills
## Footnote
The measurement was 3.3 out of 7.
31
What paradox does South Africa face regarding employment?
High unemployment rates alongside skills shortages
## Footnote
Especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
32
List some strategies organizations use to retain talent.
* Offering attractive packages
* Training and development opportunities
* Flexible work hours
33
What was South Africa's unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2020?
30.8%
## Footnote
This was an increase from 23.3% the previous year.
34
What does the Gini coefficient indicate?
Income inequality within a country
## Footnote
A Gini coefficient of 0 indicates equal income distribution.
35
What historical context influences employment relations in South Africa?
The political and socio-economic struggle towards democracy, equality, and fairness
## Footnote
This culminated in the first democratic elections in 1994.
36
What is the first responsibility of the HR department in terms of employment relations?
Compliance with labor laws
## Footnote
This includes ensuring policies and procedures adhere to applicable laws.
37
What is the significance of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998?
It promotes fair employment practices and diversity in the workplace
## Footnote
HR is responsible for ensuring compliance.
38
Define the psychological contract in the workplace.
The implicit expectations between employer and employee regarding contributions and rewards
## Footnote
Modern employees expect learning opportunities and recognition.
39
What are the two types of HR models mentioned?
* Hard issues model
* Soft issues model
40
What type of participation involves passing authority to employees?
Delegation
## Footnote
This allows employees to make decisions while managers remain accountable.
41
What is cultural intelligence in the context of HR?
The ability to manage diversity effectively in the workplace
## Footnote
It is an extension of emotional and social intelligence.
42
What are some barriers to quality in organizations identified by Beckford (2010)?
* Systems and procedures
* Organizational culture
* Organizational design
* Management perspectives
43
What is a key focus of successful organizations?
Quality and excellence
## Footnote
This requires a clear vision, shared values, and a supportive HR strategy.
44
True or False: Line managers play a crucial role in enhancing employee engagement.
True
## Footnote
HR empowers line managers to create a positive work environment.
45
What is the impact of high staff turnover on an organization?
Increased capital costs and reduced availability of internal working capital
## Footnote
High staff turnover can strain resources and affect overall organizational performance.
46
What is a strong business case for organizations?
Having an integrated approach to quality and excellence
## Footnote
This approach aligns all processes and policies to support excellence.
47
What do successful organizations have in common?
A clear vision, shared values, and a strategy aimed at achieving excellence
## Footnote
These elements guide organizational policies and culture.
48
What are specific strategies for achieving excellence in organizations?
* Engagement
* Performance management
* Creating a learning organization
* High-performance teams
* Training and development interventions
* Continuous improvement
* Rewards and recognition
* Commitment through the employment experience
## Footnote
These strategies help in overcoming barriers to excellence.
49
Who is responsible for enhancing engagement in an organization?
Both the HR department and line managers
## Footnote
They work collaboratively to ensure employee engagement and satisfaction.
50
What does employee engagement involve?
Being passionate about one's job and the organization, wanting to go the extra mile
## Footnote
Engaged employees are focused, committed, and support organizational goals.
51
How does the engagement approach view employee behavior?
From a psychological perspective, emphasizing the importance of trust in the workplace
## Footnote
This perspective highlights the need for supportive organizational practices.
52
What is performance management aimed at?
Linking individual goals to organizational goals, facilitating employee performance, and providing feedback
## Footnote
This system involves active participation from HR, managers, and employees.
53
What is a learning organization?
An organization where excellence is achieved through the input of various stakeholders
## Footnote
Stakeholders include customers, suppliers, and employees.
54
What is knowledge management?
Creating, disseminating, sharing, and using knowledge for continuous innovation
## Footnote
This is essential for leveraging employee tacit knowledge.
55
What is the employee value proposition (EVP)?
A compelling description of what makes the organization unique as an employer
## Footnote
The EVP influences recruitment and retention strategies.
56
What does organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) refer to?
Voluntary behaviors not formally rewarded, such as helping others and promoting the organization
## Footnote
OCB contributes to a positive organizational culture.
57
What is organizational culture?
A shared system of values and beliefs that shape member behavior
## Footnote
Culture influences thinking, behavior, and performance within the organization.
58
What does a strong, positive organizational culture contribute to?
Organizational effectiveness and employee inspiration to contribute
## Footnote
A good fit between employees and organizational culture is crucial.
59
What is VUCA?
Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous
## Footnote
This describes the environment organizations operate in, especially during crises.
60
What is transformational change?
Drastic and abrupt changes necessary for survival or reorganization
## Footnote
It often occurs due to mergers, acquisitions, or shifts in mission.
61
What are some common organizational responses to change?
* Reorganizing the business
* Developing relationships with stakeholders
* Introducing technology
* Using lean processes
* Creating flatter structures
* Empowering employees
* Developing core competencies
* Introducing flexible work arrangements
## Footnote
These responses aim to adapt and improve organizational performance.
62
What is the role of HR in change management?
Acting as a change champion and managing the change process
## Footnote
HR focuses on creating buy-in, supportive processes, and addressing resistance.
63
What does corporate ethics refer to?
A set of standards or conduct resulting in fair and just outcomes
## Footnote
Ethics is essential for maintaining trust and integrity within organizations.
64
What is the triple bottom line?
Financial, social, and environmental performance reporting
## Footnote
Organizations must address all three areas for comprehensive accountability.
65
What is the purpose of an ethics audit?
To investigate the presence of unethical values and behaviors in the organization
## Footnote
It involves gathering data through interviews and monitoring disciplinary actions.
66
What is the role of an ethics committee?
Ensuring compliance with ethical standards and conducting ethics audits
## Footnote
The committee is responsible for promoting ethical behavior throughout the organization.
67
What is a code of ethics?
A written statement emphasizing ethical behavior and rules of conduct
## Footnote
It should be communicated and enforced consistently across the organization.
68
What is the significance of ethical leadership?
Influences the ethical culture by serving as role models and guiding strategy
## Footnote
Ethical leaders emphasize integrity and transparency in decision-making.
69
What is the goal of ethics training?
To create a shared understanding of unethical behavior and its consequences
## Footnote
Training should be inclusive of all organizational levels.
70
What is decision-making in the context of ethics?
Choosing among alternatives that may present ethical dilemmas
## Footnote
Ethical decision-making requires careful consideration of values and consequences.
71
What is the rationale behind unethical behavior?
People might reason that something is morally right because it is legally acceptable or beneficial to the organization.
72
Who should be exposed to ethics training within an organization?
Senior-level leaders, managers, and professionals.
73
What is an ethical dilemma in decision-making?
A situation where a person must choose among alternatives that offer good benefits but violate ethical standards.
74
What should decision-making procedures include to promote ethical decision-making?
Putting together a decision-making group and gathering the entire scope of information required.
75
What is a whistle-blower?
A person who exposes illegal, unethical, or immoral practices in an organization.
76
What does the code of ethics provide for whistle-blowers?
Guidelines for reporting issues and for management when dealing with these issues.
77
What does the Protected Disclosures Act 26 of 2000 in South Africa protect?
Whistle-blowers from occupational detriment by their employer for making protected disclosures in good faith.
78
What is performance management in the context of ethical behavior?
An ongoing process of improving the performance of individuals, groups, and the organization as a whole.
79
What should be considered a key performance objective in performance management?
Ethical behavior.
80
What is corporate social responsibility (CSR)?
A self-imposed ethical responsibility of organizations to give back to stakeholders.
81
How can corporate social responsibility manifest?
Direct sponsorship, supporting NGOs, providing infrastructure, or development programs.
82
What is the role of HRM in South Africa?
To participate in developing business strategy and ensuring it is supported by HR systems and processes.
83
What are the two organizations promoting the HR profession in South Africa?
* South African Institute of People Management (IPM)
* South African Board for People Practices (SABPP)
84
What is the primary aim of the IPM?
To provide knowledge and information on effective leadership and people management.
85
What does the SABPP do?
Guides professional training and registration of HR practitioners.
86
What is the HR Competency Model launched by the SABPP?
It illustrates what professionals in HRM should be able to deliver and supports continuous professional development.
87
What are the categories for registration with the SABPP?
* Master HR Professional
* Chartered HR Professional
* HR Professional
* HR Associate
* HR Technician
* Candidate
88
What is the purpose of HRM?
To develop policies, systems, procedures, and strategies that maximize the potential and performance of people.
89
What role does HR play in creating an ethical organization?
HR practitioners exemplify high standards of behavior and integrity.
90
True or False: HRM is a decentralized function in organizations.
True
