Unit 3: Area of Study 2 - Managing Employees Flashcards
(136 cards)
Business Objective
Is a goal that a business sets out to achieve in a given time period
The Relationship Between Managing Employees and Achieving Business Objectives
For the best results, it is important that the Employees are performing to their potential. This can be achieved by ensuring they are engaged and motivated.
Ways Businesses can Help Employees Achieve Business Objectives (List 2)
- Align the Employees with the Business Objectives
- Ensure the Employees are motivated
- Ensure the Employees receive training when needed
- Measure and manage the Employees’ performance
Human Resource Management
Is the effective management of the formal relationship between the Employer and Employees
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Suggests that Employees have 5 levels of needs which can be rearranged according to their importance in a Hierarchy. The lower levels must be met before an individual can move to the needs that are higher in the Hierarchy
Levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (From Bottom to Top)
- Physiological Needs
- Safety and Security Needs
- Love and Belonging Needs
- Self-Esteem Needs
- Self-Actualisation Needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Physiological Needs
Is where the Employees are motivated by fair pay and working conditions
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Safety and Security Needs
Is where the Employees are motivated by knowing they have job security and a safe workplace
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Love and Belonging Needs
Is where the Employees are motivated to build strong relationships within the business
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Self-Esteem Needs
Is where the Employees are motivated to build a large amount of self-esteem within themselves. Recognition and responsibility can help achieve this
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Self-Actualisation Needs
Is where the Employees are motivated by aiming to achieve their full potential
Advantages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (List 2)
- It recognises that every Employee’s needs are different and can use strategies to satisfy those needs and improve motivation
- The theory is easy to understand and apply at a basic level
- It is relevant in all fields of employment
Disadvantages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (List 2)
- Based on the theory, we assume that if an individual lacks the basic amenities or are in an unsafe working environment, they will never unlock the higher needs in the Hierarchy
- It cannot be applied uniformly because each Employee is at a different level on the Hierarchy
- It is time-consuming because the Human Resource Manager needs to consult each Employee
- It Fails to consider cultural differences because people in certain cultures place the importance of needs in a different order
Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory
Suggests that Employees are motivated by clear and challenging goals in addition to feedback about their achievement
Attributes of Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory
- Clarity
- Challenge
- Commitment
- Feedback
- Task Complexity
Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory: Clarity
The goals need to be clear, specific and clearly understood. The goals also need to be measurable and developed within a clear timeframe, with an end date for when the goals need to be completed by
Example of a Clear Goal in Relation to Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory
To increase sales by 8% by the next quarter
Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory: Challenge
Suggests how the goal should be challenging but still achievable by the Employee and should be relevant in being able to achieve Business Objectives. The theory shows how there is a direct correlation between how challenging a goal is and how much motivation an Employee has
Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory: Commitment
The more committed an Employee is and the more say they have in the goal, the more motivated they will be to work towards the goal and the more committed they will be in achieving that goal
Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory: Feedback
Shows how regular constructive feedback helps keep the Employee on track to achieving the goal. Feedback can either be formal or informal
Formal Feedback
Is feedback where the Employer organises a meeting to provide the Employee with feedback
Informal Feedback
Is feedback where an Employer meets with the Employee at lunch or during their break to provide them with feedback
Locke and Latham’s Goal-Setting Theory: Task Complexity
Refers to how the goal should be challenging enough to motivate the Employee, but not too challenging that the Employee is overwhelmed. Deadlines for the goals have to be set
Advantages of Locke and Latham’s Goal Setting Theory (List 2)
- It is a clear way of measuring an Employee’s performance against Business Objectives
- It allows for Employee Feedback and may improve the relationship between the Manager and Employee
- Setting goals that are clear and specific,
challenging but not overwhelming, will motivate
Employees and improve their performance, thereby contributing to Business Objectives - Staff will perform at a higher standard due to their clear and specific goals, leading to a higher rate of productivity
- Better relationships between management and
Employees will occur as Managers work with each Employee to collaboratively set goals and provide feedback