Human Resources

What is human resource management (HRM)?

The effective management of the relationship between employers and employees.

Why is HRM important?

It helps businesses hire, develop, motivate, and retain employees.

What is the human resource cycle?

The stages involved in employing and managing staff.

What are the four stages of the human resource cycle?

Acquisition, Development, Maintenance, and Separation.

What is acquisition?

Attracting and recruiting the right staff.

What three activities are involved in acquisition?

Staffing needs, recruitment, and selection.

What is recruitment?

Attracting suitable applicants for a job vacancy.

What is a job analysis?

A study of a job's duties, tasks, and work environment.

What is a job description?

A document outlining duties, tasks, and responsibilities.

What is a job specification?

A list of qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience needed for a job.

What is internal recruitment?

Filling vacancies with existing employees.

One key advantage of internal recruitment?

Employees are already known to the employer.

One key disadvantage of internal recruitment?

There may be no suitable internal candidate.

What is external recruitment?

Filling vacancies with people from outside the business.

One key advantage of external recruitment?

Brings new skills and ideas.

One key disadvantage of external recruitment?

It is more expensive and time-consuming.

What is training?

Teaching employees skills to perform their job effectively.

What is development?

Preparing employees for greater future responsibilities.

What is the aim of training and development?

To improve employees' skills, knowledge, and performance.

What is on-the-job training?

Training provided in the workplace by experienced staff.

What is off-the-job training?

Training provided away from the workplace.

What is job rotation?

Moving employees through different jobs to develop skills.

What is mentoring?

Learning from a more experienced employee.

What is an employment contract?

A legally binding agreement between an employer and employee.

What law governs employment contracts in Australia?

The Fair Work Act 2009.

What is common law?

Law developed through court and tribunal decisions.

What are employers required to provide under common law?

Work, pay, and a safe workplace.

What are employees required to do under common law?

Follow lawful instructions, use care and skill, and act in good faith.

What are the National Employment Standards (NES)?

Minimum employment conditions that apply to employees.

Name four key NES entitlements.

Maximum weekly hours, annual leave, parental leave, and personal/carer's leave.

What is an award?

A legally binding document setting minimum pay and conditions.

What is one advantage of awards?

They guarantee minimum wages and conditions.

What is one disadvantage of awards?

They can be inflexible.

What is an enterprise agreement?

A workplace-level agreement between employers and employees.

What is the purpose of an enterprise agreement?

To provide conditions better than the relevant award.

One advantage of enterprise agreements?

Greater flexibility.

One disadvantage of enterprise agreements?

They take longer to negotiate.

What is separation?

The ending of the employment relationship.

What are the two types of separation?

Voluntary and involuntary.

What is voluntary separation?

When an employee chooses to leave.

What are the main forms of voluntary separation?

Retirement, resignation, and voluntary redundancy.

What is involuntary separation?

When an employee is required to leave.

What are the main forms of involuntary separation?

Redundancy and dismissal.

What is redundancy?

When a job no longer exists.

What is dismissal?

Termination due to unacceptable behaviour or poor performance.

What is summary dismissal?

Immediate dismissal for serious misconduct, with no notice required.

What is unfair dismissal?

When an employee believes their dismissal was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable.