U4 The nature of work

Question 1

State the legal requirements for employers and employees in the workplace

Answer 1

• Employee relations laws
• Equal opportunity and anti-discrimination
• Affirmative action laws
• Federal (and state) awards
• Registered agreements
• National Employment Standards
• Minimum pay scales
• Loadings, overtimes, penalties, etc
• Leave provisions
• Termination and redundancy
• Australian Apprenticeships
• Paid trials
• Youth and trainee wages

Question 2

Explain the impact of information communications technologies (ICT) on the operational practices of workplaces

Answer 2

Use of social networking:
- Public relations
- Marketing
- Social media manager positions

Mobile Technologies:
- Use of apps
- Allows remote work
- Allows for digital work

High Speed Internet:
- Remote work
- Complex websites for inexperienced users

Question 3

Explain the role of efficiency, productivity and sustainability in assisting businesses to become more globally competitive

Answer 3

• Efficiency and productivity enable businesses to optimize resource use and output, leading to competitive pricing, quality, and innovation in the global market.
• Sustainability ensures long-term viability, enhances brand reputation, and provides cost savings, aligning with global consumer preferences and regulatory demands.

Question 4

Explain the importance of research and product development in assisting businesses to remain competitive in a global economy

Answer 4

• Research and product development drive innovation and quality improvement, essential for staying ahead of global competition and meeting evolving market demands.
• These processes enable market expansion, adaptability to changing trends, technological advancement, and long-term sustainability in the global marketplace.

Question 5

Explain issues of global bussinesses

Answer 5

• Fair Trade: Ensures ethical practices in international trade, providing fair payment and working conditions for producers in developing countries, and promoting sustainable development.
• Environmental Compliance: Involves adhering to international environmental protection standards and regulations, reducing the ecological footprint of global business operations.

Unethical Work Practices:
- Sweatshops: Refers to workplaces with poor, socially unacceptable working conditions, often characterized by low wages, long hours, and unhealthy environments.

• Child Labour: Involves employing children under the age at which it is legally permissible to work, often in exploitative and hazardous conditions, which undermines their education and development.
• Forced Labour: Concerns the use of coercion, threat, or deception to employ workers against their will, often observed in situations of human trafficking and modern slavery.

Question 6

Explain a factor for consideration when working overseas (cultural differences)

Answer 6

While working in a different country, there are many differences you may have to allow for including etiquette, gender roles, attitudes towards foreigners, legalities and attitudes towards things like LGBTQIA+/sex outside of marriage/religious differences.

Cultural Intelligence skills are important when working overseas, such as adaptability, communication, problem solving, initiative and managing and leading (ACPIM)

Question 7

Explain a factor for consideration when working overseas (conditions of employment)

Answer 7

• Employees working overseas may have entitlements under national workplace relations systems if they’re an Australian-based employee.
• Employment entitlements may include the National Employment Standards (NES), Awards and enterprise agreements, minimum wages, industrial action, unfair dismissal protection and general protections