HR Flashcards
Who theorised a hierarchy of needs?
Maslow
what are the four main leadership styles?
authoritarian, democratic, paternalistic, laissez-faire
characteristics of an authoritarian leadership style
top down and one-way communication, little delegation/consultation, leader holds most power/control
when would an authoritarian style be most effective?
low-skilled/inexperienced staff, when quick/difficult decisions are needed
weaknesses of an authoritarian style
skilled/ambitious staff may leave seeking more responsibility
characteristics of a democratic leadership style
greater employee involvement in decision making, leadership functions shared, emphasis on delegation/consultation whilst leader still has final say
when would a democratic style be most effective?
with experienced, highly trained employees - typically most popular style
weaknesses of a democratic style
slows down decision making, some may become disgruntled if managers always has final say
characteristics of a paternalistic leadership style
softer form of authoritarian - little delegation, leader decides what is best whilst addressing employee needs
when would a paternalistic style be most effective?
with new, inexperienced employees who want promotion/experience
weaknesses of a paternalistic style
experienced employees may find it smothering, may want increased responsibility
characteristics of a laissez-faire style
leader has little input in day-to-day decisions, conscious decision to delegate, employee freedom
when would a laissez-faire style be most effective?
independent, experienced and confident employees who require little guidance/support
weaknesses of a laissez-faire style
doesn’t work with inexperienced/lower-skilled employees, can lead to poor role definition
What is McGregor Theory X?
Managers assume workers are motivated solely by money - have no interest in work or business performance. Linked to authoritarian style
What is McGregor Theory Y?
Managers assume workers enjoy/gain satisfaction from work. Recognises workers have different needs/responsibilites
What is the purpose of the Blake Mouton grid?
Plots a leader’s task-centeredness against their person-centeredness
Strengths of the Blake Mouton grid
practical, useful, easy to use
Weaknesses of the Blake Mouton grid
overly simplistic, disregards other factors
On the Blake Mouton grid, how would you describe a manager who has low concern for results and low concern for people?
Impoverished management (e.g. 1,1)
On the Blake Mouton grid, how would you describe a manager who has high concern for results and low concern for people?
Produce-or-perish management (e.g. 9,1)
On the Blake Mouton grid, how would you describe a manager who has low concern for results and high concern for people?
Country club management (e.g. 1,9)
On the Blake Mouton grid, how would you describe a manager who has high concern for results and high concern for people?
Team management (e.g. 9,9)
On the Blake Mouton grid, how would you describe a manager who doesn’t strictly fit into one of these four categories
Middle of the road management (e.g. 5,5)
What is the purpose of the Tannenbaum-Schmidt leadership continuum?
shows the relationship between the level of freedom in decision making given by managers and level of authority retained by the manager
What are the seven stages of delegation on the Tannenbaum-Schmidt continuum?
tells, sells, suggests, consults, joins, delegates, abdicates
name some examples of influences on management and leadership styles
employee skill, time frame, nature of task, particular situation, company structure/span of control, group size
what is the purpose of stakeholder mapping?
so management can identify which stakeholders to prioritise in decision making
what does a stakeholder map plot?
stakeholder power vs stakeholder interest
on a stakeholder map, how does a business deal with a stakeholder with low interest and low power?
monitor (minimum effort)
on a stakeholder map, how does a business deal with a stakeholder with high interest and low power?
keep informed
on a stakeholder map, how does a business deal with a stakeholder with low interest and high power?
keep satisfied
on a stakeholder map, how does a business deal with a stakeholder with high interest and high power?
manage closely
what is human resource management (HRM)?
the strategic process of making the most efficient use of an organisation’s employees
name some areas of HRM
planning the workforce, recruitment, training, employee appraisal, monitoring performance, motivation, rewards, consultation, wage/salary systems, disciplinary action, health+safety and welfare, employment legislation
Name examples of areas that HR objectives will relate to:
employee engagement, talent development, training, diversity, allocation of employees, maximising labour productivity, minimising labour costs, maintaining good employer/employee relations
What examples are there of factors affecting HR objectives?
Corporate objectives, finances, size/skill of workforce, legislation, individual managers, organisational structure, trade unions
What is Hard HRM strategy?
treating employees like any other resource - autocratic management, centralised, authority kept in hands of few
What is Soft HRM strategy?
prioritises staff development - democratic/paternalistic management, decentralised, delegation is used
