Human Resource Management Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary cause of conflict in the workplace?

  • Lack of training programs
  • Excessive supervision
  • Perceived threats to needs (correct)
  • High employee turnover
  • What does collective bargaining involve?

  • Group negotiations between employees and management (correct)
  • Negotiating individually with management
  • Employers conducting interviews with employees
  • Employees working independently to reach an agreement
  • Which of the following is a method of industrial dispute?

  • Job promotions
  • Increased bonuses
  • Flexible working hours
  • Work-to-rule (correct)
  • What happens during a strike action?

    <p>Employees withdraw their labor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach involves employees deliberately working slower?

    <p>Go slow (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do specialized staff play in employer negotiations?

    <p>To maximize the employer's negotiating position (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation might overtime bans be particularly disruptive?

    <p>Transport industry (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a source of conflict mentioned?

    <p>Differences in personal beliefs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are hygiene needs according to Frederick Herzberg's theory?

    <p>Factors that lead to dissatisfaction if not addressed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to McClelland's Acquired Needs Theory, which need relates to the desire for social relationships?

    <p>Affiliation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of motivation is characterized by an individual having a sense of volition and choice?

    <p>Autonomous motivation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Adams' Equity Theory, what do 'outputs' refer to?

    <p>Rewards received from a job (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component of Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory?

    <p>Power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key concept in Vroom's Expectancy Theory refers to the belief that effort will lead to good performance?

    <p>Expectancy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following motivations does McClelland associate with the desire to coach and influence others?

    <p>Power motivation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between inputs and outputs as described in Equity Theory?

    <p>Balance between inputs and outputs ensures fairness (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of human resource management?

    <p>Ensuring that the firm meets its objectives through personnel management (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT influence human resource planning?

    <p>Marketing strategies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do changes in work preferences manifest in modern employment?

    <p>Increased acceptance of career breaks and job sharing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a work practice on the increase?

    <p>Freelancing (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the gig economy?

    <p>Hiring independent workers for short-term commitments (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant impact of innovation on HR processes?

    <p>Placing people at the center of business strategies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes hustle culture?

    <p>Work dominating personal time, hindering quality of life (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of a resume compared to a CV?

    <p>Tailored for a specific job application (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the negotiation process between employers and employees regarding wages and working conditions?

    <p>Collective bargaining (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of demographic changes in HR planning?

    <p>To adapt staffing needs based on population trends (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of teleworking?

    <p>An employee working from home with specific hours to report to the office (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason managers may choose not to fully disclose information?

    <p>To protect sensitive information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a CV typically include?

    <p>Contact information and awards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential benefit for an individual to join a trade union?

    <p>To increase bargaining power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'industrial relations'?

    <p>Relationships between employers and employees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long should a resume ideally be?

    <p>1 page maximum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might employees feel a lack of transparency from their managers?

    <p>Managers may keep sensitive information private (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a power culture in an organization?

    <p>A few individuals retain essential power. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which type of organizational culture do employees operate in a highly controlled structure with clearly defined roles?

    <p>Role culture (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organizational culture is characterized by temporary teams working on specific problems?

    <p>Task culture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common trait found in person culture organizations?

    <p>The organization is recognized by its individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What drives decision-making in role culture organizations?

    <p>Clearly defined roles as per corporate procedures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What metaphor does Charles Handy use to describe types of organizational culture?

    <p>Greek gods (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which organizational culture is most likely to discourage risk-taking?

    <p>Role culture (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a task culture, how does the power dynamic typically shift?

    <p>It is based on the expertise of team members. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might an organization with a strong power culture prioritize?

    <p>Results over processes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase best describes the team structure in a task culture?

    <p>Fluid and dynamic. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a key function of management?

    <p>Negotiating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of 'commanding' in management?

    <p>To ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about 'organizing' in management is CORRECT?

    <p>Organizing involves understanding the skill sets needed to complete a task and assigning responsibilities accordingly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between 'scientific' and 'intuitive' management?

    <p>Scientific management focuses on data and analysis, while intuitive management relies on gut feelings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does 'planning' contribute to overall organizational goals?

    <p>Planning involves setting objectives at all levels of the organization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of management involves evaluating performance against pre-set targets?

    <p>Controlling (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of 'coordinating' in management?

    <p>Coordinating aims to achieve a shared purpose while preventing wasted resources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which of the following situations should managers be cautious and avoid taking over the tasks of their employees?

    <p>When the manager has a strong understanding of the task and can complete it faster. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of not adequately organizing resources within an organization?

    <p>Inefficient work processes and missed deadlines. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of applying 'scientific thinking' in management?

    <p>Using data analysis to identify trends and make informed decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key objective for employers when dealing with trade unions?

    <p>To establish agreements on a collective basis to avoid time-consuming individual negotiations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between a CV and a resume?

    <p>A CV is tailored to a specific job, while a resume provides a comprehensive overview of your career. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason why managers may choose not to fully disclose information to employees?

    <p>To ensure employees always have a clear understanding of company decisions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a benefit of collective bargaining for employees?

    <p>It gives them a stronger voice in negotiating with employers as a group. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes industrial relations?

    <p>The relationship between employers and employees, including the rights and responsibilities of each party. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of a resume compared to a CV?

    <p>A resume is designed to be concise and focused on relevant skills and experience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a cover letter?

    <p>To introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential advantage for an individual to join a trade union?

    <p>It strengthens their bargaining power in negotiations with employers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does human resource planning relate to workforce requirements?

    <p>It forecasts future employee needs based on demand changes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What external factor is a key consideration in HR planning?

    <p>Technological innovations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common reason for the rise in part-time work?

    <p>Employee demands for more flexibility in schedules. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which demographic change can influence HR management?

    <p>Increased retirement rates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the gig economy affect traditional employment practices?

    <p>It encourages the hiring of independent workers for short-term roles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does increased female workforce participation have on HR planning?

    <p>It creates new demands for workplace policies and environments. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT typically associated with changes in work practices?

    <p>Decrease in employee wages. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of the concept of hustle culture?

    <p>Prioritizes work over personal life and well-being. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential disadvantage of traditional full-time work?

    <p>It limits employee flexibility and work-life balance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a main focus of HR in fostering innovation?

    <p>Creating a supportive environment for top talent. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which situation is an autocratic leadership style most likely to be effective?

    <p>When urgent decisions must be made for results-oriented tasks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What benefit do paternalistic leaders provide to employees?

    <p>A familial environment with a sense of safety (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential drawback of democratic leadership?

    <p>Slow decision-making processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what condition does laissez-faire leadership typically thrive?

    <p>When employees are trusted, motivated, and skilled (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of situational leadership?

    <p>It adapts to the needs of different subordinates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one drawback of using an autocratic leadership style?

    <p>Limited opportunity for employee input (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic differentiates democratic leaders from autocratic leaders?

    <p>Democratic leaders maintain the right to final decision-making (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might paternalistic leaders struggle with objectivity?

    <p>They treat employees as part of a family, possibly clouding judgment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of a laissez-faire leadership style?

    <p>It fosters creativity and innovation by providing freedom (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does situational leadership emphasize?

    <p>Flexibility to adapt to different circumstances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is labor turnover mainly an indicator of?

    <p>Effectiveness of retention policies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common reason why staff leave an organization?

    <p>Increased training opportunities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Low-skilled industries are generally characterized by:

    <p>Routine high labor turnover (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of induction training?

    <p>Integrating new employees into the organization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant drawback of traditional appraisal methods?

    <p>Can be subjective and judgmental (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which appraisal method involves feedback from multiple sources within an organization?

    <p>360-degree appraisal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT a characteristic of a good appraisal system?

    <p>Directly linked to pay increases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of financial rewards in motivation?

    <p>They can help in attracting and retaining talent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of off-the-job training?

    <p>Workshops or conferences (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes high labor turnover as a concern for a business?

    <p>All employees leave voluntarily. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential downside of organizations actively seeking to enhance diversity in recruitment?

    <p>Exclusion of less diverse candidates who may excel. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a primary goal of training an employee?

    <p>To improve the overall quality and productivity of work. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does formative appraisal focus on?

    <p>Continuous improvement during the work cycle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a barrier to communication mentioned in the content?

    <p>Lack of motivation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a formal visual communication method?

    <p>Presentations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the content, what is one way in which conflicts in the workplace can negatively impact communication?

    <p>Conflicts can make people less open to hearing messages being conveyed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the text, what is the main reason why different people may communicate differently?

    <p>People have distinct personalities and communication styles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the text as a type of informal communication?

    <p>Letters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does the text suggest that effective listening is a skill?

    <p>Because most people only listen to reply, not to understand. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason that the text suggests is common for unhappiness in the workplace?

    <p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the text, what is one of the key arguments for the importance of visual communication?

    <p>Visual communication has a lasting impact on a viewer's memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Human Resource Management

    • Critical for any business, especially tertiary and quaternary sectors
    • Involves managing personnel to ensure objectives are met
    • Includes terms and conditions of employment, recruitment, training, motivation, wage bargaining, pensions, and manpower planning

    Factors Influencing HR Planning - External

    • Immigration
    • Technological change
    • Government regulations/laws
    • Demographic change
    • Social trends
    • State of the economy
    • Changes to education
    • Labor mobility
    • Flexi-time, remote working, etc.
    • Pool of labor available for work

    Factors Influencing HR Planning - Internal

    • Changes in business organization
    • Changes in business finance
    • Changes in labor reactions
    • Changes in business strategy

    Human Resource Planning

    • The people are the heart of a company (the workforce produces goods and services)
    • The number of employees and their skill levels change with demand
    • Firms create plans for future workforce requirements

    Key Terms

    • Demographic changes - shifts in factors like birth/death rates, ethnicities, religion, and education levels
    • Labor mobility - workers' ability to move occupationally or geographically
    • Immigration - movement across countries for a permanent residency
    • Privatization - shift away from public to private sector
    • Increased employee migration across borders
    • Increased female workforce participation
    • Educational opportunities

    Changes in Work Practices - Decline

    • Traditional work routines are under pressure from employees needing flexibility
    • Full-time work (35-40 hours/week in EU, 50-60 hours/week in the US)
    • Permanent contracts

    Changes in Work Practices - Increase

    • Part-time work (less than full-time hours)
    • Temporary work (fixed-term contracts)
    • Freelancing (self-employed/multiple employers)

    Teleworking, Homeworking, Flexi-time

    • Work from home/telecom center with required office hours
    • Flexible work schedules allowing employees to adjust start/finish times
    • Set hours, but flexibility in time of work

    Casual Fridays, Weekend Adjustment

    • Casual Friday attire
    • 10-hour days squeezing 40-hour work week into 4 days
    • Additional shift for workers working in short-term commitments

    Hustle Culture

    • Work dominates personal time leading to lack of self-care
    • Career prioritization impacts other aspects like family and self-care

    Impacts of Innovation on HR Processes

    • To be innovative, businesses need to prioritize people
    • Talent acquisition and retention through supportive environments
    • Employee treatment is integral to success
    • Employees are a company's greatest asset

    Cultural Differences

    • Power distance index (PDI) - degree of accepted inequality; high score indicates tolerance for unequal distribution of power, low score desires equalizing power
    • Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV) - preference for loosely-knit or tightly-knit social frameworks
    • Masculinity versus Femininity (MAS) - preference in society for achievement or cooperation for quality of life
    • Uncertainty avoidance index (UAI) - society's tolerance for unconventional behaviors and ideas; high score = rigidity and intolerance; low score = relaxed attitudes

    Reasons for Resistance to Change

    • Discomfort, fear of the unknown
    • Insufficient rewards
    • Skills gap
    • Lack of control
    • Mistrust, poor communication
    • Poor timing
    • Prior negative experiences
    • Social support

    HR Strategies

    • Create a vision, realign if needed
    • Allocate resources
    • Involve employees
    • Communicate regularly
    • Train employees appropriately
    • Be aware of potential stress

    Organizational Charts

    • Formal representation of roles and responsibilities, reporting lines
    • Common way to present organizational structure
    • Depicts relationships of who reports to whom across levels

    Hierarchy

    • Number of responsibility levels within a business
    • Each level signifies seniority

    Line Manager/Staff Manager

    • Line manager - Decision-making authority and bears responsibility for outcomes
    • Staff manager - Communicates decisions but not responsible for outcomes. Administrative and secretarial staff

    Chain of Command

    • Decisions from top to bottom
    • Helps organize workflow to ensure that higher-ups are heard and understood

    Span of Control

    • Number of subordinates directly under a manager's responsibility

    Delegation

    • Manager gives authority, not responsibility, for decision outcomes to a subordinate

    Decentralization

    • High degree of decision-making concentrated in a small group

    Bureaucracy

    • Emphasis on rules & procedures, administrative system

    De-Layering

    • Reducing hierarchy levels by removing management layers
    • Increase decision-making ability of managers

    Tall/vertical, Flat/horizontal Organizational Structures

    • Tall vertical - Traditional, many levels, narrow spans of control, centralized decision-making, limited delegation.
    • Flat horizontal - Reinvention, few levels, wider spans of control, decentralized decision-making, greater delegation

    Project-Based Organization

    • Emphasizes projects, teams, and task-based work

    Shamrock Organization

    • Uses a three-part structure (core, flexible workforce, and outsourced workers)

    Appropriateness of Organizational Structures

    • No single "correct" structure is one-size fits all, depends on the business itself.

    Management is Made Up of People

    • Managers organize and direct, not do the actual work
    • They have specific responsibilities to ensure work is completed efficiently

    Key Function of Management

    • Universal functions: planning, organizing, commanding/directing, coordinating, controlling

    Planning

    • Defining objectives and best action plans

    Organizing

    • Assigning responsibilities to staff

    Commanding/Directing

    • Hiring the right people and directing them adequately

    Coordinating

    • Ensuring consistency and coordination between organizational parts

    Controlling

    • Setting targets and taking corrective actions, appraisal of performance.

    Management vs Leadership

    • Managers focus on tasks
    • Leaders influence people through vision
    • Styles: autocratic, paternalistic, democratic, laissez-faire, situational

    Situational Leadership

    • Adapts style to fit the situation: employees' experience, task importance, leader's experience

    Cultural Differences

    • Varying cultural perspectives: (power distance, individualism, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, indulgence)

    Motivation Theories

    • Motivation crucial for productivity and creativity
    • Factors like personal goals, skills, and reward influence performance.

    Poor Staff Motivation

    • Indicators of poor motivation like absenteeism, lateness, low performance.
    • Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation

    Motivation Theories

    • Taylor's scientific management: improving efficiency through task standardization
    • Herzberg's two-factor theory: hygiene needs (dissatisfaction) vs. motivators (job satisfaction)
    • McClelland's acquired needs theory: achievement, affiliation, power
    • Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory: autonomy, competence, relatedness

    Adams' Equity Theory

    • Input-output balance for motivation
    • perceived fairness
    • Perceived fairness impacts employee performance positively

    Vroom's Expectancy Theory

    • Expectancy (effort leads to performance), instrumentality (performance leads to reward), and valence (attractiveness of reward) influence motivation

    Labor Turnover

    • Rate of employee movement into and out of a business
    • Measurement of retention and business steadiness
    • Reasons for leaving a job

    Recruitment

    • Identification of needs
    • Application process
    • Selection process - steps and best practices

    Employee Relations

    • Formal/informal relationships between employers and employees
    • Trade union/employer negotiations

    Employer/Employee Objectives

    • Employee objectives - wages, conditions etc.
    • Employer objectives - profit, retention etc

    Negotiations

    • Bargaining between parties to resolve conflicts

    Sources of Conflict

    • Differences in goals, values, resources or changes to the environment

    Change

    • Driven by internal/external reasons
    • Includes introducing new technologies, changes in work habits

    Poor Communication

    • Lack of communication impacting working relationships
    • Misunderstanding or conflict as potential outcomes

    Poor Performance

    • Inadequate skills, or lack of commitment that impact worker performance
    • Poor performance is a potential source of conflict

    Conflicts Occurring in the Workplace

    • Internal/external conflict; stemming from misalignment in values/needs

    Ethics Matter

    • Crucial component impacting management styles and leadership
    • Managers/leaders must adhere to ethical conduct.

    Communication

    • Communication channels (formal/informal, visual/written) and barriers (different communication styles, conflict, cultural differences, poor performance) to communication

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    Explore the essential elements of Human Resource Management, focusing on external and internal factors that influence HR planning. This quiz covers recruitment, training, and workforce management strategies critical for businesses, especially in the tertiary and quaternary sectors.

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