Human Resources Flashcards
What is a letter of application
A letter sent with a cv or application form containing additional information
( also known as a cover letter )
Why can interviews be helpful TO EMPLOYER
- can validate information
- see how candidate copes under pressure
- can query any further information needed
- can see if the candidate would fit well in workforce
- non verbal aspects can be considered ( mannerisms)
How can interviews be helpful TO EMPLOYEES
- experience
- ask questions
- get a feel for workplace
Why May interviews not be helpful
- subconscious discrimination
- don’t see candidate in workplace
- nerves can affect performance and answers
What is scenario testing
Showings a candidate a video or photo of a scenario to ask and see how they would react
What is psychometric testing
A ‘mental measurement’ evaluating capacity to work with others, process information and cope with stress.
( part of selection process )
Why is it important to have a good selection process
- help find candidate with right skills
- can determine which Canaanite fits best in organisation in terms of personalities
- save time and money on future recruitment and selection
What are limitations to testing
Employees may give the answer they think the employer wants to hear
What is an organisational chart
A diagram to show the hierarchy in a business usually from top to bottom in terms of seniority
What do organisational charts show
- chain of command
- authority and subordinates
- lines of communication
- span of control
- chain of command
- levels of hierarchy
- line relationships
- staff relationships
What is the span of control
The number of employees ( or subordinates ) for who a manager is responsible for
Advantages of a NARROW span of control
Manager can spend more time giving staff clear and direct instructions
Drawbacks of a NARROW span of control
Staff may feel ‘watched over’
Advantages of WIDE span of control
Employee independence and less manager supervision for staff
Drawbacks for WIDE span of control
Staff members may perform badly if manager looses control
Why May a manager prefer a wide span of control
More people to delegate to
What is the Chain of command
The order of authority and delegation within a business
What are the levels of hierarchy
Number of layers in the business
What are line relationships
Vertical relationships between managers and subordinates
What is empowerment
Giving employees power and freedom to do their jobs
What is a centralised structure
Only most senior management make decisions
Benefits of centralised structures …
Quick decision making in an emergency situation
Drawbacks of centralised structure
No employee input
What is a decentralised structure
Decision making is spread out across more junior managers across the business
Benefits of decentralised structure
Junior managers give input
Drawbacks of decentralised structures
Slow decision making
What is organisation by product ( division )
Workers put in teams for each product made
Advantages of organisation by product
- easy to see profit centres
- each centre has high autonomy
( independence ) - teams see direct results of work
- communication barriers broken down for specialists
What is organisation by function ( or system )
Workers put in teams depending on specialities or expertise ( eg marketing, finance etc )
Benefits of organisation by function ( or system )
- Specialist can concentrate on what they do best
- less duplication of teams
Drawbacks of organisation by function
- conflict may occur over goals or budgets
- communication between segregated teams May be more difficult
- can be difficult to accredit success of failure
What is a matrix structure
Employees work across teams and projects aswell as withim their own department or function
What Is an appraisal
A formal assesment of an employees performance documented in writing
Why carry out an appraisal
- Gives staff a focus
- make staff feel more valued
- set standards and expectations
- record any issues
What is a managerial appraisal
Manager evaluates employees performance
Advantages of managerial appraisals
- experts advise
- can then be used for promotion considerations
Drawbacks of managerial appraisals
- managers don’t always work closely to the employee
- input limited to one view
What is a self assesment
Employees assess their own work often with a tick sheet
What is a 360 degree appraisal
Involves an employee receiving input from multiple people within organisation
Benefits of 360 degree appraisal…
A broader picture of performance
Drawbacks or 360 degree appraisals…
Could result in too much and therefore conflicting feedback
What are peer assesments
Appraisals carried out by a peer
Benefits of peer assesment…
Peers work more closely to an employee
Drawbacks of a Peer assessment…
Could be bias due to friendships, or them not getting on or relationships
What is mcgregors theory X
Managers perceive employees as :
- motivated by money
- lazy
- unwilling to accept responsibility
What is mcgregors theory Y
Managers perceive employees as:
- willing to accept responsibility
- not only motivated by money
- have self discipline
- enjoy their work
What are the five options on Blake and moutons theory leadership grid
-Country club
-authoritarian
-impoverished
-team leader
-middle of the road
What are crayons and galtons theory traits
Motivational
Integrity
Self confidence
Creativity
Intelligence
