Management of People Flashcards
What are some reasons for needing new staff?
To meet increasing demands for existing products, to develop new products, to assist in opening new stores/factories, to help enter new markets, to respond to flexible working arrangements
What are some reasons existing staff may leave?
To respond to falling sales, to take up positions with competitors, due to retirement or sick leave, because the business needs different skills
What is the first step in workforce planning?
The organisation analyses the potential demand for its goods/services and decides how many staff are needed and what skills are required
What does a staffing forecast identify?
If any staff are due to leave and if there is a shortfall or surplus of staff
What should an organisation do if there is a surplus of staff?
Remove surplus staff or close the gaps through recruiting, training, or retaining existing staff
What are internal methods of job advertising?
- Staff notice board
- Organisations intranet
- Internal email
- Company’s newsletter
What are external methods of job advertising?
- Job centre
- Newspaper adverts
- Websites like Monster or S1 Jobs
- Recruitment agencies
What is an advantage of internal recruitment?
The vacancy can be filled quickly and the employee is known to the organisation
What is a disadvantage of internal recruitment?
Limited pool of applicants may result in not hiring the best person for the job
What is an advantage of external recruitment?
Brings in fresh ideas and skills from a wider pool of candidates
What is a disadvantage of external recruitment?
Candidates may not know the organisation, leading to increased induction training costs
What are application forms used for in the selection process?
To provide details of applicants’ skills, experience, and qualities
What are the advantages of interviews?
- Find out how an applicant reacts under pressure
- Indicate the applicant’s personality and character
What are some disadvantages of interviews?
- Applicants may say what interviewers want to hear
- Interviews can be stressful, causing quality candidates to underperform
What types of tests are used during selection?
- Attainment Test
- Aptitude Test
- Psychometric Test
- Intelligence/IQ Test
- Medical Test
What is the purpose of assessment centres?
To scrutinise a large number of applicants through team-building and role-play exercises
What is a trial period in the selection process?
An applicant is employed for a short period to assess their suitability for the job
What is the primary purpose of training?
To improve the skills or knowledge of staff within an organisation
What are some advantages of training?
- Improves quality of production/service
- Motivates staff
- Develops skills for coping with change
- Reduces workplace accidents
What are some disadvantages of training?
- Can be costly
- May lead to lost production time
- Staff may leave after being trained
What are corporate training schemes?
Intense programmes that equip staff with enhanced skills for potential pay rises or promotions
What is a graduate training scheme?
A programme for university graduates combining work-based training and learning on the job
What is a work-based qualification?
Formal qualifications gained through an apprenticeship scheme while working
What is the purpose of appraisals?
To discuss employee performance and set targets for the future
What is a peer appraisal?
A review interview conducted by a colleague at the same level
What is a 360-degree appraisal?
An appraisal that includes feedback from fellow employees, supervisors, and subordinates
What are the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
- Physiological needs
- Safety and Security
- Love and Belonging
- Self Esteem
- Self actualisation
What are hygiene factors in Herzberg’s theory?
Factors that do not motivate but can lower motivation if not met, like job security and working conditions
What are motivator factors in Herzberg’s theory?
Factors that can increase motivation, such as recognition and promotion opportunities
What is the role of managers in motivating staff according to Herzberg?
To provide motivators and ensure hygiene factors are present
What is one basic motivation method?
Fair Pay
Fill in the blank: Employees work to earn money to satisfy their needs and wants. If they don’t think they are receiving fair amount of pay for their work they will be _______.
demotivated
What is Fair Pay?
Employees work to earn money to satisfy their needs and wants. If they don’t think they are receiving a fair amount of pay for their work, they will be demotivated, and their productivity will decrease.
What is a commission payment method?
Commission is a percentage of the sales made by salespeople, motivating them to sell more.
What does PRP stand for?
PRP stands for Performance-Related Pay, which is an extra payment on top of the basic wage for meeting agreed targets.
What is Piece Rate payment?
Employees are paid per item they produce, encouraging a high work rate but may decrease quality.
What is Overtime in terms of pay?
Overtime refers to employees working longer than their contracted hours, usually at a higher pay rate.
What are non-financial incentives?
Non-financial incentives could include holidays, cars, and discounts.
Why are permanent contracts important for employees?
Employees need to feel job security, and permanent contracts help achieve this.
What impact do good working conditions have on employees?
Good working conditions make employees feel safe and can motivate staff for a short while.
What are staff appraisals?
Regular meetings with managers that motivate employees by providing feedback and setting targets.
What is the purpose of recognition in the workplace?
Recognition, such as employee of the month schemes, motivates employees who want to progress in their careers.
What are development opportunities for employees?
Opportunities for employees to improve their skills for promotion and status enhancement.
What does empowerment mean in a workplace context?
Empowerment means giving staff the authority to make their own decisions, leading to job satisfaction.
List the benefits of motivating staff.
- Increased productivity from employees
- Better quality products
- Better standard of customer service
- Reduced staff absenteeism
- Reduced staff turnover
- Improved employee relations
What characterizes an autocratic leadership style?
The leader retains authority and control, telling employees what to do.
What is a major advantage of autocratic leadership?
There are clear expectations and quick decision-making.
What is a disadvantage of autocratic leadership?
Lack of delegation can demotivate staff and limit creativity.
What defines a democratic leadership style?
Communication and employee participation are key, allowing employees to contribute to decision-making.
What is a disadvantage of democratic leadership?
Mistakes can occur if workers lack the necessary skills for participation.
What does laissez-faire leadership entail?
Managers let employees work independently without issuing instructions or supervision.
What is a benefit of laissez-faire leadership?
It empowers employees to make decisions, creating a relaxed work environment.
What is a potential downside of laissez-faire leadership?
Lack of direction can lead to unmet objectives.
What factors can affect leadership style?
- The task complexity
- Time available
- Skills of staff
- Motivation of staff
- Leader’s personality
- Group size
- Corporate culture
- Availability of finance
What are the impacts of positive employee relations?
- Employees feel happier and secure
- Disputes are less likely
- Increased workforce commitment
- Easier change implementation
- Improved public image
What are the consequences of negative employee relations?
- Poor employee performance
- Increased staff turnover
- Increased absenteeism
- Less cooperation during change
- Increased grievances
What are grievances?
Concerns, problems, or complaints raised by an employee.
How should grievances be dealt with?
- Solve them early
- Train managers to handle them
- Encourage openness
- Avoid blame
- Listen and seek resolution
What is the purpose of discipline in organizations?
To manage employee conduct and set procedures for addressing breaches of company policy.
What is dismissal?
Termination of an employee’s contract, used as a last resort after disciplinary procedures.
What is redundancy?
When an employer no longer needs an employee, often due to cost-cutting measures.
What role do trade unions play?
They represent groups of employees, providing collective bargaining power and support.
What does ACAS stand for?
Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service.
What are the three main roles of ACAS?
- Advisory
- Conciliation
- Arbitration
What is a worker-director?
A low-level employee given a non-voting seat on the Board of Directors to present worker views.
What is a Works Council?
A group made up of equal numbers of employees and managers for joint decision-making.
What does consultative committees involve?
Groups that can include employees and other stakeholders to discuss important issues.
What are quality circles?
Groups of employees consulted on improving product standards.
What is employment legislation?
Laws introduced by the government that human resources must follow.
What is the purpose of the Equality Act 2010?
To consolidate anti-discrimination laws and protect nine characteristics.
List the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act.
- Age
- Disability
- Gender
- Race
- Marriage status
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Religion or belief
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
What are the seven types of discrimination?
- Harassment
- Victimization
- Direct discrimination
- Indirect discrimination
- Associative discrimination
- Discrimination by perception
- Harassment by a third party
What is the National Minimum Wage?
The minimum pay per hour most workers under 25 are entitled to by law.
What is the National Living Wage?
The minimum pay per hour most workers aged 25 and over are entitled to by law.
What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?
Legislation that requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees.
What are some duties of employers under the Health and Safety at Work Act?
- Providing safe machinery
- Training on safety issues
- Preparing a health and safety policy
What is the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963?
Original health and safety legislation detailing specific workplace safety laws.
How can technology be used in managing people?
- Advertising vacancies online
- Conducting video-conferences for interviews
What does the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 cover?
It sets out specific laws regarding safety at work, such as cleanliness, overcrowding, temperature, ventilation, lighting, toilet facilities, and supply of drinking water.
How can the internet be used in managing people?
It can be used to advertise vacancies online, increasing the number of potential applicants.
What are the benefits of using video-conferences for interviews?
Saves time and travel costs, allows analysis of body language and facial expressions.
What is the purpose of using email in an organization?
To organize training or appraisals, allowing many employees to be contacted at once.
What are e-diaries used for?
To schedule meetings and appointments easily, allowing visibility between supervisors and subordinates.
What is virtual learning?
A way to access learning and teaching tools to help staff gain knowledge and training through the internet.
What are some advantages of virtual learning?
- Trainees can access materials from home or while travelling
- Interaction with trainers through video calls or chat
- Saves money on training costs
What are some disadvantages of virtual learning?
- Lack of face-to-face contact
- High setup costs
- No guarantee that all staff will complete training
Define full-time working pattern.
Working a full week, typically Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
What is part-time working?
Working fewer hours than those with full-time contracts, e.g., 16 hours per week.
What is flexible working?
Working a set number of hours in a week but not adhering to the 9-5 Monday-Friday pattern.
What is homeworking?
Employees work from home using ICT.
What is shift working?
Employees work in shifts to ensure the organization operates round the clock.
What is job-share?
When two people share one full-time position with a pro-rata share of salary and responsibilities.
What are the advantages of flexible working?
- Increased employee motivation
- Saves on travel time and costs
- Better work/life balance
- Reduced office space and salary costs
What are the disadvantages of flexible working?
- Increased recruitment costs
- Potential staff shortages
- Lower employee commitment
- Increased training needs
What is on-the-job training?
Training arranged within the firm, usually conducted by an experienced worker.
List advantages of on-the-job training.
- Employee produces while training
- Some employees learn better by doing
What are the disadvantages of on-the-job training?
- Mistakes can affect production quality
- Slow production for the trainer
What is off-the-job training?
Training that takes place outside the business, such as at a college or training center.
What are advantages of off-the-job training?
- High-quality training by specialists
- Less interruption, allowing focus on learning
- Opportunity to network with other organizations
What are disadvantages of off-the-job training?
- Expensive
- Potential delays in course availability
- May not meet specific needs
What elements are included in a contract of employment?
- Title of the job
- Hours of work
- Holiday entitlement
- Sickness pay and allowances
- Discipline/grievance procedures
- Date employment began
- Wage/salary rate and payment timing
- Pension scheme
- Notice required for resignation
What are advantages of training
Interviews find out how an applicant reacts under pressure
Interviews give an indication of the applicants personality and character
What are disadvantages of interviews
Some applicants can train specifically for interviews and say what the interviewers want to hear but may not be the best person for the job
Interviews can be highly stressful. This means an organisation may miss out on quality employees who underperform in the pressure on an interview
What are advantages of corporate training schemes
The organisation benefits from highly skilled staff
Staff are motivates which lowers staff turnover
What are disadvantages of corporate training schemes
Work time can be lost throughout the training
The organisation will have to pay staff more after training is complete
What are advantages of graduate training schemes
Graduates are raw talent that can be moulded to learn the skills and knowledge specific to the industry/business
The attractive salary, benefits and promotion opportunities are motivational to graduates
Successful completion of the programme can lead to a full time position
What are disadvantages of graduate training schemes
Graduates command higher salaries than staff without degrees
The schemes often have to unpick irrelevant university knowledge and re-teach real world business
Not all graduates on the programme are guaranteed fulltime jobs
What are advantages of assessment centres
Allows an organisation to really scrutinise applicants over a longer period of time
Assesses how applicants interact with others
Assesses how applicants react to role play scenarios that mimic real work situations
Reduces the chance of interviewer bias as the results are a true reflection of each applicant’s abilities
What are disadvantages of assessment centres
A venue will need to be hired, if an organisation doesn’t have its own one, which can be expensive
Several managers will need to be sent to the centre to conduct and supervise the tests, losing production time
Such tests require careful planning and preparation, all of which takes time
What are advantages of apprenticeships
Employees gain a recognised qualification and learn through practical application of their learning
Employees can contribute to the organisation whilst learning
Employees are paid during training which can be motivational
What are disadvantages of apprenticeships
Staff may leave after gaining their qualification
Organisations usually pay for the training and examinations
It can be costly to pay staff to train
What are advantages of appraisals
Positive feedback can be given which motivates the employee
Targets will be set for the employee which motivates them and gives them a goal to work towards
Training needs can be identified which can motivate staff and increase quality standard
Pay rises and bonuses can be awarded after a successful appraisal which will move each staff and ensure their work rate improves further
employees can be identified for promotion which will increase their loyalty to the organisation
Strong relationship relationships are formed between managers and employees as they are given the opportunity to have a professional discussion
What are disadvantages of appraisals
Negative feedback together which demotivates employees
An employee might be sent unrealistic target which puts them under pressure
Too many development needs may be identified which will stress the employee
Some employees resent their appraisal system as they feel under pressure and that they are being checked up on
Appraisals are time-consuming to carry out which will result in lost worktime during the time they are being conducted
What are advantages of peer appraisals
Employees may relax more and react better to a review given by a colleague
relationship with line managers are not harmed through judgements or weaknesses being highlighted
What are disadvantages of peer appraisals
personal relationships can result in appraisal being ineffective
Bias could wrongly highlight an employee for a pay rise or promotion
What are advantages of 360 appraisals
A complete profile of the employee is gained
Areas of subjectivity such as character leadership skills are measured
What are disadvantages of 360 appraisals
some employees may find difficult to be critical of their colleagues
Time constraints can limit the quality of responses from so many people in the organisation
What are advantages of Democratic leadership
Employees feel more motivated as they have a say in decision-making
The manager has the final say, but employees can contribute which can encourage creativity and help solve complex problems
