Key Influences of HR Management Flashcards
Stakeholder
Anyone who has a legitimate interest in the business
Examples of Stakeholders
Employees, Employer Associations, Unions, etc.
Employers
Assumed to be motivated by profits
Employer-Employment Objectives
- Hiring employees w/ appropriate skills
- Improve flexibility
- minimise industry disputes
Employees
Assumed to want to work for the least time possible & for the maximised wage attainable
Employee-Employment Objectives
- Higher Wages
- Promotion Opportunities
Unions
Organisation formed by employees in an industry, trade or occupation to represent them in efforts to improve the wages and working conditions of their members
Role of Unions
- Assist employees w/ disputes @ the workplace
- Act as a bargaining agent in enterprise agreement negotiations
Governments
Multi-faceted stakeholders in HR management
Functions of Government
- Legislator
- Responsible Economic Manager
- Employer
- Administrator of Policies
- International Representative
Legislator (Government)
Set legal frameworks for employers and employees
Responsible Economic Manager (Government)
Set monetary policy and ensure stable economic growth
Employer (Government)
Employ 1/3 of Australian Workers
Administrator of Policies (Government)
Implementing and communicating employment legislation
International Representative (Government)
Member of the international labour organisation that implements some policies (e.g: discrimination)
Statutes
Provide a key framework for employee/employer relations
Examples of Statues
- WHS
- Workers Comp.
Society
Sees outsourcing as a negative, as unemployment rates rise
- also want non-wage benefits, prioritised health and safety
The Employment Contract
A legally binding, formal agreement between an employer and an employee
Common Law
Both employees and employers have basic obligations in the employee contract
Employers - Common Law
- Must pay employees fairly
- provide a safe working environment
Employees - Common Law
- employees must look out for their employer’s interests
- must obey employers as long as its lawful/reasonable
How many National employment standards are there?
10
Awards
a legal document that specifies the minimum wage and working conditions that apply to all people employed in a common industry
Individual Flexibility Agreement (IFA)
Allow employees and employers to come to an agreement that varies from the awards to address individual circumstances
Enterprise Agreements
agreements made at a workplace level between employees and employers about pay rates and working conditions
Single-Enterprise Agreement
Between Employee(s) + single employer
Multi-Enterprise Agreements
2 or more employers (same industry) + employees
Greenfields Agreements
Single + multiple enterprise agreements made at the commencement of a new business enterprise between employers and trade unions BEFORE employees are hired
Work Health Safety (WHS)
Work Health Safety Act 2011:
- Employers ensure the health safety and welfare at work of all employees = safe
Workers Compensation
Range of benefits entitled to employees suffering an injury/sickness caused by work-related activities
Discrimination
Occurs when a policy/practice disadvantages a person/group because of personal characteristics that are irrelevant to the performance of the work.
What are some examples of groups that can be discriminated
sexuality, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, age
Fair Work Act 2019
Protection of employees in a number of areas including:
- dismissal, damaging performance ability, different treatment & recruitment.
Strategies to eliminate discrimination
- Code of Conduct
- Trading managers & staff in cultural diversity
- Appointing a grievance officer and specifying grievance procedures involving issues
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Equitable policies and practices in recruitment, selection, training and promotion
Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012
Aimes to promote & improve gender equality outcomes such as:
- levels of pay
- career opportunities
- treatment at the workplace
How does the economic cycle affect HR function?
During GROWTH: higher wages + decrease in unemployment
During RECESSION: wage limits + increase in unemployment
Structural Change
Refers to a change in the nature and pattern of production of goods and services within an economy
Social Influences
influences from peers in the community that impact on employee behaviour in the workforce
Examples of Living Standards
- Workplace Safety
- Regular Wage Increases
- Compulsory Superannuation
- Sick & family provisions
What are some ethical and legal issues in the workplace
- Unethical work practices
- Unlawful dismissal
- Bullying
- Unfair Dismissal
- Harrasement
- Discrimination
What are some benefits of ethical and legal practices
- Positive image of business
- Equal employment oppurtunities
- Legal compliance
- Staff are motivated and valued
- Community support
How do companies develop responses to ethical and legal considerations
Develop ethical codes in collaboration with stakeholders
How does company responses affect employees
- improved staff retention
- reducing absenteeism
- reduce recruitment costs
What are some employee welfare benefits
- Create challenging, meaningful work to stimulate rewards for staff
- Improve communication and fostering teamwork
- Providing study leave and training oppurtunites to reduce skill obsolescence
- flexible hours and conditions -> promote work life balance
What are some ethical issues from working conditions
- job securities
- casual work
- outsourcing and subcotnracting
- cheap labour
