Human Resources Flashcards
What is employee representation?
Employee representation arises when employees are part of a formal structure for involving them in the decision-making process of an organisation
Why should a business have a formal system of employee representation?
- Make employees’ views known to management
- Helps create an atmosphere of mutual trust
What are trade unions?
These are national groups that negotiate on behalf of a group of employees in the workplace. Deal with issues such as pay, pensions and working conditions.
Pros of a TU membership for the employees
- Trade unions aim to protect workers
- Employees can seek advice and support from TU representatives
- TU’s are experienced in negotiating with employers and have good knowledge of workplace laws
Cons of a TU membership for the employees
- Trade unions take industrial action based on the votes of their members
- You may disagree with the outcome of a vote
- If you go on strike then pay may be lost and your employer will expect you to catch up on your work when you return to work
What is a works council?
A committee representing the employer and elected employee representatives who gather to discuss working conditions, and pay. A work council has to be introduced by law.
What is motivation?
A strong desire to act in a certain way and to achieve a particular result
Why is it important to have a motivated workforce?
- More productive
- More committed and willing
- Change is easier to implement
- Better image of the business
What are the 4 motivation theories?
-Content theory (McClelland, Herzberg, Maslow)
- Expectancy theory (Vroom)
- Goal-setting theory (Locke, Drucker’s management by objectives
- Excellence theory (Peters)
What is McCellands theory of needs?
Every person has one of three main driving motivators: the needs for achievement, affiliation and power
What is Herzbergs two-factor theory?
A motivation theory that suggests that satisfaction and dissatisfaction at work are influenced by two sets of factors: hygiene factors and motivators
What factors effect job dissatisfaction? (Herzberg’s two factor theory)
Influenced by hygiene factors:
- Working conditions
- Co-worker relations
- Policies and rules
- Supervisor quality
- Base wage
What factors effect job satisfaction? (Herzberg’s two factor theory)
Influenced by motivator factors:
- Achievement
- Recognition
- Responsibility
- Work itself
- Advancement
- Personal growth
What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
A model for understanding the motivations for human behaviour
What are the 5 levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?
(in order)
- Self-actualisation (e.g. morality, creativity, problem solving and lack of prejudice)
- Esteem (e.g. self-esteem, confidence, achievement, mutual respect with others)
- Love/belonging (e.g. friendship, family and sexual intimacy)
- Safety (e.g. security of body, of family, of health and of employment)
- Physiological (e.g. breathing, food, water and sex)
