UNIT 2 AOS 2 Flashcards
Human Resource Management
Define “Human Resource Management”
The effective management of the formal relationship between the employer and employees
- In small/medium businesses HRM is the responsibility of the business owner
- In larger businesses, the task is done by a Human Resource Manager
Define “Human Resource Manager”
Someone who coordinates all the activities involved in acquiring, developing, maintaining and terminating employees from a business’s human resources
Define “Motivation”
The individual, internal process that directs, energises and sustains a person’s behaviour
What are the 3 motivation theories?
- Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow)
- Goal Setting Principles (Locke and Latham)
- Four Drive Theory (Lawrence and Nohria)
List the stages in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Physiological
- Safety
- Social
- Esteem
- Self-Actualisation
Explain the “Physiological” stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy
The most basic needs necessary for survival, including, air, food, water and shelter. Without these needs, individuals cannot function properly.
Explain the “Safety” stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy
Once physiological needs are met, individuals seek safety and security. This includes physical safety as well as job security. People seek stability in their work environment to feel safe.
Explain the “Social” stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy
After safety needs are satisfied, individuals seek social relations and a sense of belonging. Humans crave connection, require friendship and involvement in decision-making.
Explain the “Esteem” stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy
Once social needs are fulfilled, individuals strive for esteem. They seek feelings of recognition, accomplishment and respect. Esteem needs are satisfied through achievements, promotions and positive feedback.
Explain the “Self-actualisation” stage in Maslow’s Hierarchy
At the top of the hierarchy is self-actualisation, representing the fulfilment of one’s potential and the desire to become the best version of oneself. This involves personal growth and pursuing passions.
2 advantages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Following the theory should allow the business to increase motivation for all employees
- Demonstrates how motivation can be increased over the long term
2 disadvantages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
- Difficult to identify where employees are on the hierarchy
- Difficult to monitor progression through the hierarchy
Define “Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory”
Locke and Latham argue that goals provide a strong sense of direction, and the desire to achieve goals motivates employees which increases their performance
List the 5 principles of the Goal Setting Theory
- Clarity
- Challenge
- Commitment
- Task Complexity
- Feedback
Explain the Goal Setting Principle “Clarity”
The goal should be clear and as specific as possible. It is important that everyone understands what is expected, and the reward.
Explain the Goal Setting Principle “Challenge”
People are often motivated by achieving something they have not completed before. A challenging goal can provide a level of challenge that motivates employees.
Explain the Goal Setting Principle “Task Complexity”
While goals should challenge employees, the level of complexity mustn’t be overwhelming. Additional training may be required to assist the employee in completing tasks.
Explain the Goal Setting Principle “Feedback”
Feedback provides opportunities for recognition of progress, to make adjustments to the goal if necessary and to ensure expectations are clear.
2 advantages of Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory
- Improves relationships between employees and managers as they work together to collaboratively set goals and provide feedback
- Easy to assess whether a goal has been achieved
2 disadvantages of Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory
- It could be time-consuming to individually set goals and provide feedback in a large business
- Failing to meet a goal could be detrimental to an employee’s confidence
Define “The Four Drive Theory”
Lawrence and Nohria identified what they believed were the four main drives that shape how all human beings think and behave
List the 4 drives in the Four Drive Theory
BLAD
1. Drive to bond
2. Drive to learn
3. Drive to acquire
4. Drive to defend
Explain the “Drive to bond” in the Four Drive Theory
Refers to the need to form relationships with other individuals and groups
Examples: Teamwork, friendships and being included in the business & its decisions
Explain the “Drive to learn” in the Four Drive Theory
Refers to our desire to satisfy our curiosity, to learn new skills and to explore the world around us
Examples: mentoring, challenging goals and training
Explain the “Drive to acquire” in the Four Drive Theory
Refers to the desire to own material goods, and encompasses the desire for status, power and influence
Examples: money, praise and status
Explain the “Drive to defend” in the Four Drive Theory
The desire to remove threats to our safety and security, protecting what we regard as ‘ours’
Examples: defending the company, job security and defending a work colleague
2 advantages of Lawrence and Nohria’s Four Drive Theory
- Managers may target the different drives of specific groups of employees
- Managers can attempt to motivate all employees by supporting all drives simultaneously
2 disadvantages of Lawrence and Nohria’s Four Drive Theory
- Employees may not value all drives equally
- Determining the specific needs of specific individuals could be time-consuming
List the Motivation Strategies
PICSS
1. Performance-related pay
2. Investment in training
3. Career Advancement
4. Support strategies
5. Sanction strategies
Explain “Performance-related pay” as a motivation strategy
The monetary compensation provided to employees relative to how their performance is assessed according to set standards
List the different types of performance-related pay
- Pay increases
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Share plans
- Profit-sharing
- Gain-sharing
Define “Pay increases” as a type of Performance related pay
Any employee who makes a significant contribution to the business objectives may be offered a pay rise, usually an increase in the hourly wage or yearly salary
Define “Bonuses” as a type of Performance related pay
A one-off payment is given to a particular employee or group of employees as a reward
Define “Commissions” as a type of Performance related pay
An amount paid for accomplishing a sale, usually a fixed percentage of the sale price is paid to the person who accomplished the sale of the product
Define “Share plans” as a type of Performance related pay
A company can offer shares in the ownership of the business to its employees, if the business is successful the profit is paid as a dividend to its shareholders
Define “Profit-sharing” as a type of Performance related pay
A business may offer a percentage of its profits to employees an incentive to work hard and raise profits, usually employees are offered a fixed percentage of the profits
Define “Gain-sharing” as a type of Performance related pay
A method of rewarding employees for making suggestions on how to improve productivity in the business, the savings achieved from these improvements are distributed to the employees.
Explain the effect of Performance related pay on short-term motivation
Pay increases, bonuses and commissions can influence employees as they provide an immediate and tangible reward for their commitment to the business.
Explain the effect of Performance related pay on long-term motivation
Share plans, profit sharing and gainsharing are longer-term motivations as the rewards may take several years to be achieved.
2 advantages of “Performance related pay” as a motivation strategy
- Can attract high-quality employees
- Improves employee performance as they chase higher incomes
2 disadvantages of “Performance related pay” as a motivation strategy
- Can be expensive
- May develop a competitive culture, undermining teamwork
Explain “Investment in training” as a motivation strategy
When a business provides finances and resources for training programs to develop employee’s skills and knowledge to make them more efficient in their roles.
Explain the effect of Investment in training on short-term motivation
Training gives employees opportunities to learn, which provides them access to those types of jobs
Explain the effect of Investment in training on long-term motivation
Successful completion of additional training provides the employee with a sense of accomplishment
2 advantages of the “Investment in training” as a motivation strategy
- May improve employee retention as staff loyalty and motivation are improved
- Improving the skills of employees can benefit the business as they feel more confident and perform more productively
2 disadvantages of the “Investment in training” as a motivation strategy
- A business may pay the cost of training only to have the employee leave for another business
- A business may be unable to afford the cost of training
Explain “Support Strategies” as a motivation strategy
The assistance or services provided by the business to help employees to do better
Explain the effect of Support strategies on short-term motivation
Providing support and encouragement can motivate employees to do better
Explain the effect of Support strategies on long-term motivation
Supportive workplaces can encourage a sense of loyalty and willingness to remain in the work environment
2 advantages of “Support strategies” as a motivation strategy
- Support can be provided at little to no cost
- Counselling and mentoring help employees develop meaningful professional relationships
2 disadvantages of “Support strategies” as a motivation strategy
- Requires a business to have a positive corporate culture
- Employees may become too dependent on their mentor/counsellor
Explain “Sanction Strategies” as a motivation strategy
A form of penalty or discipline imposed on an employee for poor performance
List 3 different types of sanctions used for motivation
- Verbal warnings
- Demotion
- Reduction in salary
- Termination
Explain the effect of Sanction strategies on short-term motivation
Can influence the lower needs on Maslow’s hierarchy, such as physiological or safety needs. It can also influence the defence drive identified by Lawrence and Nohria.
Explain the effect of Sanction strategies on long-term motivation
Likely to only impact short-term motivation, it doesn’t encourage employees to make a long-term commitment to the business.
2 advantages of “Sanction strategies” as a motivation strategy
- Creates a sense of accountability around expectations
- May quickly stop inappropriate behaviour
2 disadvantages of “Sanction strategies” as a motivation strategy
- Reduces a sense of belonging, creating a culture of fear and mistrust
- Can create a negative environment over the long term
Define “Training”
The process of teaching staff how to do their job more efficiently and effectively by boosting their knowledge and skills
Who benefits from training?
- Employees
- Businesses