Human Resources Function

Question 1

Define the term recruitment

Answer 1

It is a process used to identify vacancies and attract suitable candidates who have the necessary knowledge and skills required. It is an on-going process

Question 2

differentiate job description and job specification

Answer 2

job description describes the duties/responsibilities of a job and the specific nature of that job and its requirements
job specification specifies the minimum acceptable personal qualities/skills/qualifications needed for the job

Question 3

List 4 sources of internal recruitment

Answer 3

notice boards
business newsletters
head hunting within the busi.
word of mouth

Question 4

Describe the impact of internal recruitment (list two advantages and disadvantages)

Answer 4

• it is cheaper/quicker to fill a post
• the employees already have an understanding of how the business works
• provides opportunities for career paths within the busi.
• it closes the door to new ideas from the outside
• promotion of employees could cause resentment among the employees
• employees who aren’t promoted may feel demotivated

Question 5

list 4 sources of external recruitment

Answer 5

printed media
networking
electronic media
recruitment agencies
walk-in
education/training institutions

Question 6

Describe the impact of external recruitment

Answer 6

• there are larger pools of candidates
• busi. has better chance of getting suitable candidates who don’t need much training therefore reducing costs
• may help busi. meet affirmative action and BBBEE targets
• information on CV’s may not be reliable which increases the cost due to background check-ups
• new candidates take longer to adjust to the new environment

Question 7

Outline the importance/purpose of interviews

Answer 7

• Able to determine candidates suitablility for the job
• can obtain info about the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate
• helps employer to make informed decisions for the most suitable candidates

Question 8

Describe the role of the interviewer before an interview

Answer 8

1. book and prepare a venue for the interview
2. inform all those who are shortlisted and panel members about the date and place
3. develop a core set of questions based on the requirements of the post
4. plan the programme for the interview and the time allocations for each candidate (same time for everyone)

Question 9

what is an employment contract

Answer 9

an agreement between an employer and employee and is legally binding

Question 10

list 3 aspects to include in an employment contract

Answer 10

1. personal details of the employee
2. the job title/ position
3. date of employment
4. information about remuneration and leave
5. signitures from both employer and employee

Question 11

list two legal requirements of an employment contracts

Answer 11

it may not contain any requirements that are in conflict with the BCEA
it should include a code of conduct + code of ethics
employer must explain the terms and conditions of the employment contacts

Question 12

what reasons could lead to the termination of an employment contract

Answer 12

employer may no longer have work for redundant employees
employees may leave/resign voluntarily
valid reasons such as misconduct

Question 13

what is meant by the induction of employees

Answer 13

new employees are familiarized with their new physical work env.
new employees are made aware of safety regulations and procedure

Question 14

what is the purpose of induction

Answer 14

familiarizes new employees with the organisational structure
able to communicate information about the product/services offered by the busi.
creates an opportunity for new employees to explore different departments

Question 15

list 4 benefits of the induction programme

Answer 15

allows new employees to settle quickly and work effectively.
it minimises the need for on-going training and development
realistic expectations are created for both the employer and employee
it improves the new employees quality of performance

Question 16

What is the meaning of placement in a business

Answer 16

when selected candidates are placed where they will function optimally and add value to the busi.
qualifications, skills and the personality of a candidate are matched up with the requirements of the job

Question 17

outline the importance of skills development training

Answer 17

employees are more able to perform their job
shows that your employees are valued
employees strengthen their skills which improves/increases productivity
on-going training and up skilling encourages creativity

Question 18

list two salary determination method and differentiate between them

Answer 18

piecemeal: workers are paid according to the number of items/units produced/action performed
time-related: workers are paid for the amt. of time they spend at work/on a task

Question 19

what is the link between salary determination and the BCEA

Answer 19

The BCEA outlines legalities such as an employment contract which could affect salary determination
the BCEA sets out conditions ensuring fair labour practices and human resources practices

Question 20

list 3 fringe benefits

Answer 20

medical aid/health insurance fund
pension fund
funeral benefits

Question 21

name the fringe benefit required by law and its purpose

Answer 21

Unemployment Insurance Fund- UIF
the employer and employee each contribute 1% to the fund.
The fund assists the dependants of a contributing worker who died + offers short term financial assistance when a worker in unemployed/unable to work/ on maternity leave

Question 22

Identify the impact of fringe benefits on a business

Answer 22

its increases employee satisfaction
results in higher employee retention/reduces turnover
if you cant offer it may result in failing to attract skilled workers
they are additional costs which results in cash flow problems.