Week 1 - Introduction

Question 1

Define diversity of workforce

Answer 1

Varied workforce characterised by different:

experience, 
backgrounds, 
skills, 
perspectives and 
attributes.

Question 2

Suggest reasons for diversity in the Australian workforce

Answer 2

Post 1980's policy and social change:
•	increased international competition
•	Lower trade barriers
•	Rise in immigration
•	OS outsourcing
•	Rise in education/skill levels
•	Growth of service based economy

Question 3

Describe the Harvard analytical HRM framwork

Answer 3

HR function is seen as a strategic unit, in turn linked to broader org strategy

Question 4

Describe the features resulting from the Harvard HRM framework

Answer 4

• Focuses on the firm as a unit
• People viewed as social capital & HRM an investment in that
• Fitting HR strategy to org strategy crucial.
• All managers responsible for HRM

Question 5

List some HR activities
Primary (OCHTC)
Collaborative (IPQ)

Answer 5

Primary activities: outplacement, compliance, HRIS, employee testing for selection, and compo admin

Collaborative activities: interviewing, performance management, and improve quality and productivity.

Question 6

List the HR strategic leadership roles

AECS

Answer 6

Administrative: build an efficient infrastructure by ensuring efficient performance of organisational processes.

Employee champion: increase employee commitment and capability by listening and responding to employees’ concerns.

Change agent: develop the organisation by managing transformation and change.

Strategic business partner: execute organisational strategy by aligning HR processes with the organisational strategy.

Question 7

List workforce characteristics affecting HRM

EDD

Answer 7

Economy - GFC, mining boom

Demographic change - pop. increase, ageing workforce

Diversity - gender issues, immigration, indigenous

Question 8

List the environmental characteristics affecting HRM

Answer 8

Trends in diversity mment
Building CA through diversity
Economic challenges eg skill shortages
Changing e'ee e'er relationship
Legislation
Ethics

Question 9

Discuss the competitive challenges influencing AU companies

GHS

Answer 9

Globalisation - global markets, manage global workforce

HR innovation - effective mment of employees & work systems.

Sustainablity (survive & succeed) - customer service, quality, stakeholder satisfaction, attract/retain staff.

Question 10

Describe how HRM practices contribute to CA

MBDR

Answer 10

Managing HR environment
Build HR systems
Develop human resources
Reward human resources

Question 11

Explain the impact of diversity in the workforce

Answer 11

Provides rich store of human resources.

Demands effective management to realise this.

Question 12

Explain the impact of the ageing workforce

Answer 12

Increased life expectancy vs low fertility rates cause:
skills drain
retirement planning,
rise in benefits & sick leave.

Challenges on attract/train/retain older staff & replacement.s

Question 13

Explain the impact of outsourcing.

Answer 13

Skills loss, 
community resentment, 
perception problem.
Cost savings.
Increased diversity of workforce

Question 14

Define HRM

Answer 14

Human resource management (HRM):

the policies, practices and systems that influence

employees’ behaviour, attitudes and performance.

Question 15

Define Strategic HRM

Answer 15

the pattern of planned HR deployments and activities
intended to enable an organisation to achieve its
goals.