Unit 4 A.O.S. 1: The Human Resource Management Function:SAC 1A

Question 1

Explain the relationship between the human resource management function and business objectives and strategy.

Answer 1

If Human resources are managed well it can lead to motivated employees, increased productivity and successfully achieved objectives. In terms of business objectives the employees are the ones that actually achieve the objectives, it is the responsibility of human resource management to put strategies in place to help employees do so.

Question 2

What are employee expectations?

Answer 2

Employees have a range of expectations of their employer. Meeting these expectations can lead to job satisfaction and increased motivation. This can improve the organisations ability to achieve objectives.

Question 3

Explain conditions of employment.

Answer 3

Conditions of employment are what an employee receives for the work they do. Basic conditions include number of expected hours, leave entitlements and redundancy pay.

Question 4

Explain flexible working conditions.

Answer 4

Flexible working conditions are the conditions that give employees a greater opportunity to balance work and family responsibilities. Flexible working conditions include flexible hours (with various start and finish times that the employee can choose), patterns of work (which include job sharing or split shifts) as well as location (in many circumstances able to work from home)

Question 5

Explain occupational health and safety.

Answer 5

OH&s is the legal responsibility an organisation has to ensure the workplace is safe for employees. This involves the organisation taking steps to minimise risk. Due to the fact that employees have the expectation of staying safe at work and coming home safe, organisations must not only abide by OH&S but also go above and beyond to ensure the safety of employees.

Question 6

Explain job security.

Answer 6

Job security is where an employee has a belief they will have ongoing employment in the future. If people don’t feel secure in their job, it can cause loss of productivity as well as an increase in staff turnover. Some ways to improve job security include longer term contracts.

Question 7

Explain work life balance.

Answer 7

Work life balance is about achieving the right amount of time for work and for personal life. Work life balance, which is closely linked with flexible working conditions, can involve flexible hours and being able to work from home.

Question 8

Explain Maslow’s motivational theory.

Answer 8

Maslow's theory involves human needs in the form of a pyramid of hierarchy. In the hierarchy of needs each level of an employees needs must be satisfied before moving to the next level. 
The hierarchy of needs:
Level 1.
Physiological needs:
- A job, pay.
Level 2. 
Safety needs:
- Job Security, benefits, safe and healthy work conditions.
Level 3.
Social needs:
- Friendly work associates, supportive management, empowerment.
Level 4.
Esteem needs:
- Job title and task responsibilities.
- Promotion and recognition.
Level 5.
Self actualisation needs:
- Challenging work allowing for creativity.
- Participative decision making.
- Setting and achieving objectives.

Question 9

Explain Herzberg’s two factor motivation theory.

Answer 9

Herzberg’s motivation theory involves a belief that intrinsic factors related to the work itself rather than the conditions of work are what truly motivates employees.

Question 10

In Herzberg’s theory explain intrinsic motivation.

Answer 10

Intrinsic motivation is where the motivation occurs in the work itself because it is interesting and highly valued, and the workers enjoy doing the tasks associated with it.

Question 11

Compare Herzberg’s theory to Maslow’s.

Answer 11

Herzberg’s believes that the lower level (number 1 and 2) of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are hygiene factors and are not motivating factors, but the necessities you must have as an employee. The higher level motivating, intrinsic factors of achievement, recognition, responsibility, challenging work and the work itself are the true motivating theories.

Question 12

Explain Locke’s goal setting theory.

Answer 12

Locke’s theory revolves around the idea that employees are motivated by clear and specific goals where constructive feedback is provided. His goal setting theory States that:

• Goals must be clear and specific.
• Goals should be challenging but not overwhelming.
• Constructive feedback should be provided regularly.

Question 13

What is human resource management?

Answer 13

The human resource management function is defined as the relationship between the employer and the employee. Human resource managers co-ordinate the range of activities in the employment cycle all the way from acquiring to the terminating of employees.