Poeple Flashcards

Question

Describe attainment tests

Answer 1

This allows candidates to demonstrate a particular skill against a benchmark e.g. ICT skills against a required standard

Answer 2

This assesses the candidates personality and mental suitability for a job by testing verbal and numerical reasoning. - There are no right or wrong answers, instead it gives an insight into how the candidate thinks and if they would fit the culture of the business

Answer 3

This measures physical fitness and is required for certain jobs e.g. footballer, fire service

Answer 4

This measures a candidates mental ability, used for jobs where candidates may be solving problems

Answer 5

Verifies the claims made by candidates Tests suitability of the candidate against benchmarks e.g. person specification Comparisons can be made between candidates

Answer 6

Results can be unreliable if carried out by untrained staff Candidates may underperform due to nerves They can be very time consuming to carry out

Answer 7

Businesses use assessment centres to see a a large number of candidates at the same time Candidates take part in a variety of team building and role play exercises The business can study applicants to assess their suitability for the vacancy and how they interact with others This reduces the chance of interviewer bias as a number of managers will be involved in the process

Answer 8

Allows a business 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 reflection of a number of tests

Answer 9

A venue may need to be hired which can be expensive Several mangers will be offsite to conduct and supervise tests, resulting in less production time Extensive planning and preparation is required which costs the business money and time

Answer 10

References are written statements from previous employers or other reliable people e.g. guidance teacher It is used to confirm that the person applying for the job is who they say they are and are reliable References should be honest, open, truthful and unbiased

Answer 11

Training means to improve the skills or knowledge of staff within a business

Answer 12

Employees become more competent at their jobs Employees become more flexible Employee motivation increases Employees become more productive Changes become easier to introduce The organisation’s image improves There are fewer accidents as staff are aware of procedures There is reduced waste as less errors Customers are satisfied with the goods they buy and service they receive

Answer 13

Once trained, staff may leave for better paid jobs Financial cost of training can be high Work time is lost when staff are being trained Output is lost when staff are being trained Quality of training must be high for it to have a positive effect After training staff may be in a position to command higher wages once better skilled

Answer 14

Induction Training On the Job Training Off the Job Training

Answer 15

Induction Training is given to all new employees when they begin employment. Induction training: - Develops an awareness of the organisation’s policies and procedures - Allows an opportunity to become familiar with working environment and colleagues - Provides an Introduction to the job and duties involved

Answer 16

On the Job Training – takes place at the employee’s normal place of work while the employee is doing the job. Methods: - Observation – one employee watches and learns as another carries out tasks - Coaching – an employee is observed by another and given assistance to complete tasks - Job Rotation – an employee moves to different departments carrying out different tasks.

Answer 17

Off the Job Training – employees are trained away from their normal place of work. For example, college, university or training centre Viewed as expensive and results in loss of production

Answer 18

An apprenticeship is a method of paid on-the-job where the employee learns skills and gains valuable knowledge. Alongside on-the-job training, apprentices spend some working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college, university or training provider which leads to a nationally recognised qualification. Traditionally they were for ‘trade’ jobs (plumbing, joinery etc) but can now also be used for administration and business roles.

Answer 19

Professional qualifications can be gained Training is specifically tailored to suit the firms needs and job role Less costly as training takes place while performing the job

Answer 20

Involves a high degree of supervision from experienced staff members which can be time consuming Apprentices may make mistakes while they are training which may harm the reputation of the company Apprentices are paid a wage while they are training No guarantee of job security once apprenticeship is completed

Answer 21

Graduate training schemes are programs offered by companies to people who have recently gained a degree qualification from University. They normally last between one and two years and allow the graduate to experience different aspects of the business throughout their training. Depending on the employer and the individual scheme the graduate may undertake a specific role or spend time working in different areas of the organisation, for example finance, human resources, sales and operations.

Answer 22

Opportunities for graduates are available with a wide variety of employers, including those in accountancy, law, engineering and banking as well as public sector organisations such as the National Health Service.

Answer 23

Graduates are raw talent that can be moulded to learn the skills and knowledge specificto thebusiness The attractive salary and promotion opportunities are motivational to graduates Successful completion of the programme can lead to a full-time position Gives Graduates real working environment experience

Answer 24

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 full-time jobs, increasing staff turnover

Answer 25

Most organisations understand that training should NOT be a one-off occurrence. CPD is a term used to describe the learning activities that professionals engage in to develop and enhance their skills and remain up to date in their chosen field of work. CPD combines different methods of training, such as training workshops, conferences and events, e-learning programmes and learning from best-practice. By completing CPD the business will be more efficient and productive, resulting in them being more competitive. A record of all CPD training is kept for employees to evaluate and build on.

Answer 26

Improves the skills of staff which can lead to better quality goods or service Motivates staff as they are better able to do their job and feel the company is investing in their training Ensures the organisation keeps staff up to date with mandatory training requirements

Answer 27

May take people away from their work in order to complete training Can cost the organisation money to send workers on training courses

Answer 28

Businesses can also offer staff the chance to gain formal qualifications while working. Employees will learn the skills required to gain the qualification while carrying out their job. In the workplace with some days spent at a local college when required.

Answer 29

A minimum time away from the workplace Both employer and employee benefit from completion of assignment projects Increased confidence which makes employee time more effective in the workplace A qualification being awarded after a period of study Training is specifically tailored to suit the firms needs Training takes place in the work place so minimal cost to the organisation Employees can gain a recognised qualification Standard of work can improve through training Employee has a better chance of promotion or a wage rise when qualification is gained

Answer 30

Qualifications can take a long time if completed on a part-time basis Employee may leave the organisation once qualification is gained Costly to pay for people to carry out the training

Answer 31

Corporate training schemes are intense programmes of training that will equip staff with enhanced skills so that they are in a good position for a promotion. Some corporate training schemes can include ICT, leadership/management, time management, communication or customer service.

Answer 32

Can be time consuming to carry out the training required Can be costly for the organisation to provide training and subsequent wage rises

Answer 33

Standard of work can improve through training Employees will be more motivated

Answer 34

A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is an E-learning system that simulates a real-life classroom. It is web based and allows staff and learners to communicate without being in the same physical environment.

Answer 35

Less time is spent away from the work place by employees which improves productivity and reduces costs Travel costs are eliminated as employees can access the VLE anywhere provided they can access the internet Development of employees will increase motivation and reduce staff turnover

Answer 36

Increased flexibility as the VLE can be accessed at any time, for example during the commute to work Employees learn at their own pace and can refer back to virtual lesson materials as many times as they require Social space on the VLE allows employees to interact with staff and other learners through discussion forums or chat Homework and assignments are completed and returned online, which is cost and time-effective Improve chances of career progression

Answer 37

Some employees may be reluctant to learn in a virtual environment, preferring to learn in the traditional way If the internet or the network hosting the VLE is down materials cannot be accessed.

Answer 38

Staff development is the process of helping employees to reach their full potential. It will include training in their existing jobs but more importantly it will allow employees to train in other areas and develop new skills. Training and development needs are usually identified through the appraisal system.

Answer 39

Appraisal is the main method used to establish an employee’s training and development needs It is used to review performance over a period of time – usually 1 year One-to-one meetings between employee and line manager Goals are set at the meeting which will be reviewed at the next meeting the following year

Answer 40

Identify future training needs Consider personal development needs for the individual Improve the performance of the employee Provide feedback and constructive criticism to the employee Identify individuals who have the potential for promotion or have additional skills that can be used in the future Review pay

Answer 41

One to one Peer to peer 360 degree

Answer 42

Face to face with line manager Usually part of a formal process

Answer 43

A colleague in the same position carries out the evaluations More informal

Answer 44

Involves self- evaluation Allow for a more rounded evaluation with contribution from a number of different people e.g., peers, mangers and customers

Answer 45

Positive feedback can be given which motivates employees 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 ensure their work improves further Employees can be identified for promotion Strong relationships are formed between managers and employees as they are given the opportunity to have a professional discussion

Answer 46

Negative feedback can be given which demotivates employees An employee might be set unrealistic targets which puts them under pressure Some employees may feel they are being checked up on Appraisals are time consuming to carry out which will result in lost work time during the day when they are being conducted.

Answer 47

Motivation is the level of willingness by an individual to increase their effort Management can use various motivation methods in attempt to motivate employees including: - Fair pay - Payment methods such as commission, piece rate, performance related pay or overtime - Non-financial incentives such as company cars, discounts and private healthcare - Permanent contracts - Good working conditions Some employees will need more than good pay and conditions to be motivated at work Advanced motivation methods include: - Staff appraisals (covered previously) - Recognition – ‘employee of the month’ scheme - Development opportunities – management training schemes or opportunities for promotion - Empowerment – giving the staff the authority to make their own decisions

Answer 48

Increased productivity from employees Better quality products Better standard of customer service Reduced staff absenteeism and poor time-keeping • Reduced staff turnover Improved employee relations and fewer grievances

Answer 49

Maslow suggested that humans have 5 sets of needs which come in a particular order. As each level of need is satisfied, the desire to fulfil the next set kicks in. You need to fulfil the need at the lowest level before you can move to the next level.

Answer 50

Physiological Safety Social/belonging Esteem Self-actualisation

Answer 51

A living wage, access to toilet facilities and running water Basic life needs: food, water, shelter, sleep, air, warmth

Answer 52

Safe working conditions, job security, fair wages, pension Safety from harm, employment security, health

Answer 53

A good team atmosphere, friendly supervision, social events Friendship, family, affection, work group

Answer 54

Recognition of ones achievements if front of peers, a job title that stands out from others, company car, private office Self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others

Answer 55

Opportunities for creativity, decision making, promotion opportunities, opportunities for leadership Morality, problem solving, personal growth

Answer 56

Herzberg believed that employees are influenced by two sets of factors: - Hygiene Factors - Motivational Factors

Answer 57

These will not motivate employees but if they are absent they can lower motivation. These factors can be anything from clean toilets, lunch breaks, staff room, reasonable level of pay, company policies and job security.

Answer 58

These will not necessarily lower motivation if they are absent but can be responsible for increasing motivation. These factors are linked to the needs at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy and could involve rewarding employees with status and recognition, target setting, potential for promotion and delegated responsibility.

Answer 59

Administration Company policies Fair pay Interpersonal relationships Organisational structure Security Supervision Working conditions Working machinery

Answer 60

Achievement Advancement Challenging work Empowerment Profit sharing Promotion prospects Recognition Responsibilities Target setting

Answer 61

Autocratic Democratic/participative Laissez-faire

Answer 62

Authority and control is retained by the leader, managers will tell employees what to do Obedience is expected without question

Answer 63

There are clear expectations of what needs to be done Decisions can be made quickly Works well when the manager is the most skilled or knowledgeable in the team

Answer 64

There is no opportunity for delegation or empowerment, demotivating some staff There is a lack of creativity in decision making as it is retained with senior management

Answer 65

Communication and employee participation are key, managers let employees have a say in decision- making. Leader shares problems by setting up teams and the leader makes decisions but explains the reason why.

Answer 66

Employees feel 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 Employees are more flexible and prepared for promotion if they have had expanded roles and responsibilities Employees are more accepting of change as they are involved in decision making

Answer 67

Mistakes can be made if workers are not skilled or experienced enough to participate in decision making Some employees can be less productive than they would be under an autocratic manager Decision making process is longer Requires an effective leader in order to avoid conflict

Answer 68

A rough translation of the French phrase is ‘let it be’. Managers with this style leave employees to it and do not interfere The team is expected to set its own goals and resolve its own problems

Answer 69

Managerial wages can be reduced as less need for management Reduction in stress for managers Large amount of trust in employees Leads to increased motivation This can create a very relaxed work environment

Answer 70

Lack of direction can lead to objectives not being met Poor quality output can occur as less control Competent employees may request financial rewards for taking on more responsibility Can only work in highly professional environments where worker are self- motivated, such as creative industries or technology companies.

Answer 71

The task Time available Skills of staff Motivation of staff Leader’s own personality Group size Corporate culture

Answer 72

A complex task such as deciding on new company policy will require more direction from management (autocratic); a creative task such as designing new packaging would benefit from a hands off approach (laissez-faire).

Answer 73

There may be little time to complete a project which means less time for discussion on how to achieve it, so a more autocratic style will be needed.

Answer 74

Highly skilled and competent staff will need less supervision and direction, so a democratic approach will work.

Answer 75

Highly motivated employees (Theory Y) can be trusted to have the self-discipline to make their own decisions and complete tasks without instruction and supervision.

Answer 76

May lack personable qualities and automatically lead in an autocratic style; or may be too friendly and nice to be autocratic.

Answer 77

Democratic styles can lead to confusion if the number of staff in the group is too large. Large groups benefit from the clear direction of autocratic leadership.

Answer 78

The culture in an organisation can persuade managers to use specific styles, for example an open and relaxed environment lends itself to a laissez-faire approach.

Answer 79

Employers must take reasonable care to ensure health, safety and welfare of all employees. E.g. - Health and safety policy - Provide protective clothing, training and instruction on safety issues - Maintenance of machinery and equipment Employees must take reasonable care to ensure their own and others health and safety. For example, co-operate with H&S policy and report accidents

Answer 80

The act covers nine protected characteristic that cannot be used as a reason to treat people unfairly. These are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion or belief Gender Sexual orientation

Answer 81

The Equality Act sets out a variety of discrimination types - Harassment – behaviour deemed offensive by the recipient due to a characteristic - Victimisation – When someone is treated badly because they have made or supported a grievance - Direct Discrimination – A job advertised as ‘not for males’ - Indirect Discrimination – All staff must wear trousers indirectly discriminates against women - Associative discrimination – Discrimination against someone because they are associated with someone who possesses a protected characteristic - Discrimination by perception – thinking someone has a characteristic and discriminating against them

Answer 82

The NMW is the minimum rate per hour workers under 25 are entitled to by law - The rate paid is dependent on age e.g. age 16-18 receive £4.35/hr; age 18- 20 receive £6.15/hr

Answer 83

The NLW is the minimum pay per hour most workers over 25 are entitled to by law - It is against the law for employers to pay less than the NMW or NLW - Any increase in the rate will increase the costs of the business and reduce their profits - It an employer does not pay the NMW or NLW a worker could take out a grievance against their employer - HMRC can fine the business up to £20,000 per underpaid employee

Answer 84

- Internet – to advertise vacancies online - Video conferencing – to interview candidates - Databases – to store employee records - E-mail – to arrange meetings, training etc. - E-diaries – to arrange meetings and appointments more effectively ❑VLE – training purposes (previously covered) - ICT such as laptops etc to allow employees to work remotely ❑Presentation software – to present training sessions to employees - Online testing can be used to test a large number of candidates and they can be automatically marked, saving time.

Answer 85

Better monitoring and control is possible through the use specific software Training can be better supported, making it easier to provide and administer

Answer 86

Financial costs, including initial set up as well as ongoing replacement of hardware and software Employees in the HRM department will need training and support when implementing the use of new technology

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