CH7: Human Resources Management

Question 1

How does Inc.com (2020) define employee motivation?

Answer 1

It is the level of energy, commitment, and creativity employees bring to their jobs.

Question 2

Why is motivation a constant concern for management?

Answer 2

Because motivated employees drive performance regardless of economic conditions.

Question 3

What are two competing theories regarding how to motivate employees?

Answer 3

Incentive-based motivation and empowerment/employee involvement.

Question 4

Why is employee motivation often problematic for small businesses?

Answer 4

Owners may struggle to delegate responsibilities due to emotional investment in the company.

Question 5

What are the risks of low motivation in small businesses?

Answer 5

Complacency, disinterest, widespread discouragement, and potential crises.

Question 6

What unique advantage do small businesses have in motivating staff?

Answer 6

Employees see direct results of their work, and feedback is immediate and visible.

Question 7

How does a motivated workforce benefit the business owner?

Answer 7

It allows the owner to focus on long-term development rather than daily operations.

Question 8

How can reward and recognition programs help reinforce motivation?

Answer 8

They highlight accomplishment and create emotional satisfaction that enhances retention.

Question 9

Why is self-realisation linked to motivation?

Answer 9

Humans naturally want to nurture and grow something, and seeing progress is intrinsically rewarding.

Question 10

What key traits do motivated employees exhibit?

Answer 10

Initiative-taking, willingness to take responsibility, innovation, and drive to excel.

Question 11

How does motivation affect employee initiative?

Answer 11

Motivated employees don’t need micromanagement; they seek solutions and own responsibilities.

Question 12

According to QuestionPro.com (2020), what organisational climate does motivation foster?

Answer 12

Positive workplace atmosphere, happy and secure co-workers, satisfied clients, and higher performance outcomes.

Question 13

How does motivation influence client satisfaction?

Answer 13

Motivated employees are more engaged, which improves service delivery and customer experience.

Question 14

What is the relationship between motivation and performance?

Answer 14

Motivated employees consistently outperform their unmotivated counterparts.

Question 15

How does employee motivation affect turnover?

Answer 15

Higher motivation reduces turnover by increasing engagement and loyalty.

Question 16

What impact does motivation have on workplace safety and morale?

Answer 16

It improves cooperation, emotional well-being, and adherence to safe practices.

Question 17

Why is motivation critical during both economic growth and downturns?

Answer 17

It maintains productivity, resilience, and adaptability regardless of external conditions.

Question 18

What is the ideal motivational outcome in a work environment?

Answer 18

Employees find personal accomplishment in their work and are supported by structured recognition.

Question 19

What is benefit administration in HRM?

Answer 19

Managing legally required and optional employee benefits such as pension, medical aid, leave, and insurance.

Question 20

List examples of employee benefits.

Answer 20

Pension, medical aid, maternity leave, canteen access, crèche, group life insurance, unemployment and accident insurance.

Question 21

What is the employer’s duty regarding health and safety?

Answer 21

To ensure a safe and healthy workplace to prevent illness, injuries, and productivity loss.

Question 22

How do unsafe workplaces affect productivity?

Answer 22

They lead to absences, injuries, and reduced employee morale.

Question 23

What is the HR manager’s responsibility in labour relations?

Answer 23

To maintain open communication and facilitate fair collective bargaining between staff and management.

Question 24

What is the purpose of record-keeping in HR?

Answer 24

To track essential employee information such as applications, leave, appraisals, and salary history.

Question 25

Why is accurate HR record-keeping important?

Answer 25

It ensures compliance, aids decision-making, and supports performance evaluation and legal documentation.

Question 26

According to the WFPMA (2018), what are the top HR challenges?

Answer 26

Change management, leadership development, HR effectiveness measurement, and organisational effectiveness.

Question 27

What other HR challenges are emerging globally?

Answer 27

Globalisation, employee retention, managing multicultural and female workforce, retrenchment, technological adaptation, and responding to government policy changes.

Question 28

Why is globalisation a major HRM challenge?

Answer 28

It demands diverse, mobile, and highly skilled talent capable of competing in international markets.

Question 29

How does technology challenge HRM?

Answer 29

HR must adopt new tools for recruitment, training, and performance management to stay competitive.

Question 30

Why must HRM continuously evolve in the 21st century?

Answer 30

Rapid economic, technological, and cultural changes require adaptable, strategic, and forward-thinking HR practices.

Question 31

What is the evolved role of HRM in modern organisations according to Williams Olalekan?

Answer 31

HRM has shifted from traditional administrative roles to strategic functions that contribute measurable value through talent development, performance, and aligning with business goals.

Question 32

What are the core functions of HRM listed in the case study?

Answer 32

Job analysis, Recruitment and orientation, Training and performance management, Compensation and benefits, Dispute resolution, Internal communication.

Question 33

What strategic challenges does globalisation pose to HR managers?

Answer 33

Managing a multicultural workforce, international labour mobility, global competition for talent, and ensuring effective global HR practices across borders.

Question 34

According to the WFPMA survey, what were the top four HRM challenges?

Answer 34

Change management (48%), Leadership development (35%), HR effectiveness measurement (27%), Organisational effectiveness (25%).

Question 35

What is a common criticism of HR departments in many modern organisations?

Answer 35

That they act as non-strategic, transactional cost centres rather than as trusted strategic partners who understand business needs and contribute to long-term planning.

Question 36

Why is talent acquisition and management a major challenge in HR today?

Answer 36

Because many organisations lack proactive strategies, fail to align talent efforts with business goals, and do not properly assess or plan for workforce capabilities and gaps.

Question 37

What is the relationship between technology and HR challenges?

Answer 37

Rapid technological changes require HR to upskill employees, adjust recruitment and training practices, and integrate new digital tools, all while maintaining workforce relevance.

Question 38

How does employee retention tie into HR’s strategic role?

Answer 38

Retaining skilled employees supports business continuity and competitiveness. HR must develop flexible, inclusive environments and offer growth opportunities to reduce turnover.

Question 39

What misconception about HR's role limits its impact in some organisations?

Answer 39

The belief that HR is only an administrative or compliance function, rather than a driver of strategic value and organisational performance.

Question 40

What long-term mindset must HR leaders adopt to be effective in the 21st century?

Answer 40

HR leaders must be proactive, business-aligned, data-driven, and focused on talent planning, leadership development, and organisational agility to support competitive success.