5. Human Resources

Question 1

Describe what is meant by verbal communication

Answer 1

A form of communication in which words/language are used to interchange the information with other people either in the form of speech or writing

Question 2

Describe what is meant by non verbal communication

Answer 2

Does not use words for communicating, but other modes instead. Such as: body language, facial expressions or sign language

Question 3

Written communication: verbal or non verbal?

Answer 3

VERBAL as it uses words/language

Question 4

List 4 examples of communication media

Answer 4

Noticeboard, text message, email, TV

Question 5

Describe what is meant by communication media

Answer 5

The medium that is used to transmit the message

Question 6

Types of mass communication?

Answer 6

TV or radio

Question 7

Example of ____ communication media?

Written
Face-to-face
Oral 
Electronic
Social

Answer 7

Pamphlets
Video conferencing 
Phone call
Computers
Instagram

Question 8

State the advantages of using written communication?

Answer 8

\+ Record of the message
\+ Recipient can read and reread
\+ Can be sent to multiple people
\+ Avoids confrontation
\+ Quick (use tech)

Question 9

State the disadvantages of using written communication?

Answer 9

• Not always possible to check that message has been received
• Needs to be well written
• Emails? Viruses?
• Can get lost in junk mail
• Overwhelming

Question 10

State the disadvantages of using face-to-face communication?

Answer 10

• Lots of people? May not be clear of overall understanding
• Receiver does not like what they hear? May interrupt
• No permanent record of the message
• Can be expensive if required to travel to be together

Question 11

What are the 3 types of barriers to communication that were identified by Shannon and Weaver?

Answer 11

1. Technical (concerns the receiver’s ability to receive the info being communicated. E.g. cannot be heard in train station)
2. Semantic (concerns the receiver’s ability to understand the info being communicated)
3. Effectiveness (has the message been acted upon in an appropriate manner?)

Question 12

Gives 3 examples of poor communication

Answer 12

Using jargon
Lack of deadlines
Interrupting colleagues in a meeting

Question 13

What is meant by formal communication?

Answer 13

Those that take place using agreed rules or procedures. For example, a board meeting.

Question 14

What is meant by informal communication?

Answer 14

Those that are not based upon any set measures. For example, conversations in a staff room.

Question 15

Communication methods:

Answer 15

(Non) verbal and (in) formal

Question 16

Communication media:

Answer 16

TV, email, etc.

Question 17

What is meant by group norms?

Answer 17

Rules or guidelines that reflect the expectations of how group members should act and interact

Question 18

What are implicit norms?

Answer 18

Guidelines that are implied and thus are never expressed. They are presumed and accepted without discussion.

Question 19

What are explicit norms?

Answer 19

Guidelines that are stated outright, either orally or in writing.

Question 20

Examples of implicit norms?

Answer 20

Sitting in the same seat in the office

Not interrupting during meetings

Question 21

Examples of explicit norms?

Answer 21

Manual on how to behave

Wash up after yourself sign in staff room

Question 22

What is the difference between individual and group objectives?

Answer 22

Individual objectives are set for a single employee whereas group objectives are set for the team.

Question 23

What are the potential impacts that groups can have on communication?

Answer 23

• Dominant employees may disrupt a meeting and so the crucial messages may get lost.
• Groups may mean that communication from formal sources is manipulated by informal groups, and then misrepresented.

Question 24

State the advantages of using face-to-face communication?

Answer 24

+ Can check understanding using feedback
+ Points can be emphasised using tone of voice and body language
+ Pictures/diagrams can be used

Question 25

What is meant by a HR objective?

Answer 25

An objective set by the HR department which will help to achieve the overall business aims and objectives.

Question 26

Give 3 examples of HR objectives?

Answer 26

1. Recruitment - recruit staff with experience
2. Pay rates - set competitive rates to attract high quality staff
3. Training - e.g. using tech

Question 27

Give reasons as to why it is important that HR objectives are clear?

Answer 27

So that…

• employees can understand what they need to do
• employees are focused/motivated
• there is no confusion amongst employees
• employees do not waste time
• it is easy to compare actual progress with the objective set

Question 28

What is meant by the term “organisational culture”?

Answer 28

The organisational culture of a business is the unique collection of values which shapes the behaviour of the people within an organisation.

Question 29

What are the only tangible indicators as to the organisational culture of a business?

Answer 29

The PHYSICAL indicators

E.g. office layout or dress code

Question 30

What is meant by the intangible indicators as to the organisational culture of a business?

Answer 30

The expression of a company’s vision and values through the practises of the business/behaviour of people within the business.