Soft HRM (Quick Revision)

Question 1

Define: Soft HRM

Answer 1

Soft HRM is a management approach that regards employees as an important asset of the business.

Question 2

Soft HRM is likely to be associated with d………… management.

Answer 2

Democratic

Question 3

Is soft HRM likely to involve centralisation or decentralisation? Why?

Answer 3

Decentralisation; managers will pass authority throughout the organisation.

Question 4

Is soft HRM likely to involve high or low levels of employee participation? Why?

Answer 4

High; to benefit from employees’ ideas.

Question 5

State three ways in which employees can hinder the success of a firm.

Answer 5

• May make mistakes.
• May be slow to produce.
• May be rude to customers/poor quality.

Question 6

What is the Examiner’s note for Soft HRM?

Answer 6

Employees are generally becoming more skilled and expecting greater involvement in business decision making, which means they may react favorably to the soft HRM approach.

Question 7

What is the Evaluation point for Soft HRM?

Answer 7

Whether managers adopt a ‘soft approach to HRM depends on the culture of the firm, managers’ attitude towards staff and their experiences of what has worked before and elsewhere.