Managing the Human Resource Flow: Decision Making to Improve Human Resource Performance

How is the world of work changing?

The world of work is changing due to: Increase in part-time working, rise in single-parent families, more women seeking work, aging population, emphasis on flexible working hours, technology enabling remote communication, and people rarely staying in the same job for life.

What are the benefits of part-time and flexible working?

Benefits include being cheaper to employ, having a flexible workforce, and offering a wide range of potential recruits (e.g., working mothers).

What are the drawbacks of part-time and flexible working?

Drawbacks include employees feeling less loyal and motivated, and difficulties in managing and coordinating the workforce.

What are internal recruitment methods?

Internal recruitment methods include giving jobs to current employees, promotions, reorganization, and personal recommendations.

What are external recruitment methods?

External recruitment methods include job centers, job advertisements, recruitment agencies (offline & online), and headhunting.

What are the benefits of internal recruitment?

Benefits of internal recruitment include being cheaper and quicker, familiarity with strengths and weaknesses, and promoting employee loyalty.

What are the drawbacks of internal recruitment?

Internal recruitment drawbacks include a limited applicant pool, possible resentment among non-appointed candidates, and a lack of new ideas.

What are the benefits of external recruitment?

External recruitment benefits include new ideas from outside hires, a larger candidate pool, and diverse experience.

What are the drawbacks of external recruitment?

External recruitment drawbacks include a longer process, higher costs (advertising & interviews), and the selection process may not reveal the best candidate.

What are common training needs in a business?

Common training needs include induction for new employees, improving productivity and marketing effectiveness, addressing changes in technology or legislation, and supporting progression and promotion.

What are the business benefits of effective training?

Business benefits of effective training include better productivity and quality, increased flexibility, less supervision, and improved motivation and retention.

Why do some businesses neglect training?

Some businesses neglect training due to fear of employees being poached, desire to minimize short-term costs, the long time it takes for results, and the intangible benefits of training (e.g., morale).

What are the methods of on-the-job training?

On-the-job training methods include demonstration/instruction, coaching (close working relationship), job rotation, and project teams.

What are the benefits of on-the-job training?

Benefits of on-the-job training include cost-effectiveness, employees being productive while learning, learning by doing, and learning alongside real colleagues.

What are the drawbacks of on-the-job training?

Drawbacks of on-the-job training include quality depending on the trainer, potential to pass on bad habits, and disruption to production.

What are the methods of off-the-job training?

Off-the-job training methods include college attendance, professional development courses, and online training/distance learning.

What are the benefits of off-the-job training?

Benefits of off-the-job training include access to a wider range of skills/qualifications, learning from specialists, and increased employee confidence.

What are the drawbacks of off-the-job training?

Drawbacks of off-the-job training include being expensive (transport, accommodation), loss of working time and potential output, and new employees still needing job induction training.