chapter 8

Question 1

The Role of the H.R. (Human Resource) Department

Answer 1

1.Recruitment and selection
2.Redundancy and dismissal
3.Health and safety
4.Wages and salaries

Question 2

when does a vacancy arise

Answer 2

1.startup
2.expansion
3.replacement

Question 3

what is job analysis

Answer 3

research done by HR to understand the tasks and duties that need to be carried out by employees

Question 4

what is job description

Answer 4

explaining the duties and responsibilities needed by the applicant

Question 5

what is person specification

Answer 5

the requirements of the candidate

Question 6

what is internal recruitment

Answer 6

when a vacancy is filled by an existing employee of the business

Question 7

advantages of internal recruitment

Answer 7

1.Saves time and money- no need for advertising and interviewing
2.Person already known to business
3.Person knows business’ ways of working
4.Motivating for other employees to see their colleagues being promoted- urging them to work hard

Question 8

disadvantages of internal recruitment

Answer 8

1.No new skills and experience coming into the business
2.Jealousy among workers

Question 9

what is external recruitment

Answer 9

when a vacancy is filled by someone who is not an existing employee and will be new to the business.

Question 10

how is external recruitment advertised

Answer 10

1.local newspaper
2.national newspaper
3.specialist magazine
4.recruitment agencies

Question 11

what is curriculum vitae (CV) or resume

Answer 11

detail the person’s qualifications, experience, qualities and skills written in standard format

Question 12

uses of interview

Answer 12

1.assess applicant’s ability to do the job
2.assess personal qualities of the applicant
3.assess character and personality of applicant

Question 13

tests that can be used in selection process

Answer 13

1.skill test
2.aptitude test
3.personality test
4.group situation test

Question 14

what is the contract of employment

Answer 14

legal agreement between the employer and the employee

Question 15

what is part time worker

Answer 15

works less than 30 hours per week

Question 16

what is full time worker

Answer 16

works 30-35 hours per week

Question 17

advantages of part time worker

Answer 17

1.less hours->less salary->less cost
2.flexible hours->can extend operating hours->serve more customers->more sales

Question 18

disadvantages of part time workers

Answer 18

1.difficulty in communication
2.cost of recruiting 2 part timers=1 full time

Question 19

benefits of training

Answer 19

1.less mistakes->less waste->higher efficiency
2.higher productivity->higher output
3.better reputation(customer loyalty)
4.better future managers
5.motivates them
-more confidence->better performance->more job satisfaction->attracts better employees
6.workers feel invested in->loyalty->less labour turnover

Question 20

what is induction training

Answer 20

introduction given to new employee

Question 21

advantages of induction training

Answer 21

1.helps new employees settle quickly
2.less likely to make mistakes

Question 22

disadvantages of induction training

Answer 22

1.delays start of the job
2.wages paid but no work done

Question 23

what is on the job training

Answer 23

observing another experienced worker do their job

Question 24

advantages of on the job training

Answer 24

1.It is training to the specific needs of the business
2.It usually costs less than off-the-job training
3.It ensures there is some production from worker

Question 25

disadvantages of on the job training

Answer 25

1.The trainer won’t be productive as they are taking some time to teach the new employee
2.The trainer may have bad habits that can be passed onto the trainee

Question 26

what is off the job training

Answer 26

being trained away from the workplace, usually by specialist trainers

Question 27

advantages of off the job training

Answer 27

1.A broad range of skills can be taught using these techniques
2.output not effected if after hours

Question 28

disadvantages of off the job training

Answer 28

1.Costs are high
2.The additional qualifications means it is easier for the employee to leave and find another job

Question 29

what is workforce planning

Answer 29

process an organization uses to analyze its workforce and determine the steps it must take to prepare for future staffing needs

Question 30

when will business need to downsize the workforce

Answer 30

1.automotive
2.recession
3.relocating
4.lack of demand
5.de-layering
6.mergers and takeovers

Question 31

how can the hr reduce the number of workers

Answer 31

1.dismissal:where a worker is told to leave their job because their work or behaviour is unsatisfactory
2.Redundancy:when an employee is no longer needed and so loses their work, though not due to any fault of theirs.

Question 32

impact of redundancy

Answer 32

1.less labour costs->lowering costs of salary
2.redundancy payments have to be made, however this will only affect the business short term
3.less job security for remaining workers->demotivation

Question 33

what is a trade union

Answer 33

1.a group of employees who have joined together to ensure their interests are protected

Question 34

benefits of trade union

Answer 34

1.strength in numbers when negotiating with employers
2.improved conditions for employment
3.improved work environment

Question 35

disadvantages of trade union to employees

Answer 35

1.costs money to be a member

Question 36

benefits of trade union to employers

Answer 36

1.can help improve communication between workers and managers

Question 37

disadvantages of trade union to employers

Answer 37

1.trade union can organize strikes which can affect business productivity

Question 38

employees are protected in many areas such as

Answer 38

1.against unfair discrimination
2.health and safety at work (protection from dangerous machinery, safety clothing and equipment, hygiene conditions, medical aid etc.)
against unfair dismissal
3.wage protection (through the contract of employment since it will have listed the pay and conditions). Many countries have a legal minimum wage– the minimum wage an employer has to pay its employee. This encourages more people to find work, but since costs are rising for the business, they may make many workers redundant- unemployment will rise.