Unit 4 - Human Resources

What layer of staff is usually ranked immediately below directors?

Managers.

What does the term span of control mean?

The number of employees directly managed by one person.

Explain the difference between a tall organisational structure and a flat organisational structure.

Tall structures have many layers of hierarchy, while flat structures have few layers.

How does the span of control differ between a tall and flat organisational structure?

Tall structures have narrow spans of control, while flat structures have wide spans of control.

What are three differences between a centralised and decentralised organisation?

1) Decision-making: Centralised is top-down, decentralised is distributed. 2) Communication: Centralised is slower, decentralised is faster. 3) Flexibility: Centralised is rigid, decentralised is adaptable.

Give one advantage of a centralised organisation.

Quick decision-making in emergencies.

Give two disadvantages of a decentralised organisation.

1) Potential for conflicting decisions. 2) Requires skilled employees.

What is meant by the term delayering?

Removing layers of hierarchy to improve communication and reduce costs.

Give three ways in which the different areas of business might be organised.

1) By function. 2) By product. 3) By geography.

What is a contract of employment? Give five things it should include.

A legal document outlining terms of employment. It should include job title, duties, salary, working hours, and holiday entitlement.

What does it mean if staff member is full-time?

They work the usual hours required by the employer, typically 35-40 hours per week.

Give one advantage to an employer having part-time staff.

Flexibility in scheduling.

What is job-sharing?

Two employees share the responsibilities and benefits of one full-time job.

Give one benefit after 20 hour contracts to: a.) employers b.) employees

a.) Employers: Cost savings. b.) Employees: Work-life balance.

What is job description?

A summary of what the job entails, including duties and responsibilities.

What is person specification?

A description of the qualifications, skills, and experience required for a job.

Why give advantages to firm filling vacant position internally rather than externally.

Internal candidates already know the business and can be more quickly integrated.

Explain why recruitment selection process important for customer service.

Hiring the right candidates ensures high-quality customer interactions.

Give two things firm expect candidates fill application form rather than just CV.

1) Detailed work history. 2) Specific qualifications.

Describe why interviews used recruitment selection process.

Interviews allow employers to assess candidates' suitability and interpersonal skills.

Other than interviews give other method firm use decide shortlisted applicants right for job?

Assessment centers.

What purpose induction training?

To introduce new employees to their roles and the company culture.

What on-the-job training?

Training provided while performing job tasks under supervision.

Explain what off-the-job training when would be used.

Training provided outside the workplace, used for specialized skills or qualifications.

Give two advantages off-the-job training over on-the-job training.

1) Access to expert trainers. 2) Learning without workplace distractions.

Give two ways which training benefit: A:)employers B:)employees

A:) Employers: Improved productivity. B:) Employees: Enhanced skills.

Explain how different ways which employees paid business.

Employees can be paid hourly wages, salaries, or commissions.

Two main methods which firms calculate wages calculated.

1) Time rate. 2) Piece rate.

Why might sales staff feel more motivated working democratic manager authoritarian manager?

Democratic managers involve staff in decision-making, increasing motivation.

What meant fringe benefit?

Additional perks given to employees beyond their salary.

Three examples fringe benefits firm offer employees

1) Health insurance. 2) Company car. 3) Gym membership.