UNIT 2 IGCSE PEOPLE IN BUSINESS REVISION
UNIT 2 IGCSE REVISION
Comprehensive overview of essential content.
2.1 COMMUNICATION
Definition: The process of transferring information from sender to receiver.
Types:
Internal Communication: Information shared within a business.
External Communication: Information shared outside a business.
Methods of Communication:
Verbal: Listening-based communication.
Non-verbal: Observational communication.
Written: Reading-based communication.
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Formal Methods:
Meetings
Interviews
Presentations
Lectures
Informal Methods:
Face-to-face conversations
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
Formal Methods:
Presentations
Displays & notice boards
Maps & diagrams
Informal Methods:
Gestures
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Formal Methods:
Reports
Letters & emails
Press releases
Brochures
Informal Methods:
Text messages
Conversations
Telephone calls
Body language
Benefits and Limitations of Different Methods
Verbal Communication:
Benefits: Quick information transfer, immediate feedback, reinforced message through body language.
Limitations: Potential misunderstanding, lack of permanent records.
Non-verbal Communication:
Benefits: Enhances clarity of message with visual aids.
Limitations: Possible complexity in understanding charts and graphs, lack of direct feedback.
Written Communication:
Benefits: Hard evidence of message, clarity in detailed information transfer.
Limitations: Language barriers, lack of opportunity for body language.
IT in Communication
Digital Communication: Involves electronic methods.
Examples: Video conferencing, email, instant messaging.
Benefits and Drawbacks of IT in Communication
Benefits:
Video conferencing eliminates travel costs.
Email allows instant messaging with attachments.
Instant messaging allows for rapid communication.
Drawbacks:
Technical issues may hinder effectiveness.
Spam can prevent access to important emails.
Miscommunication risks due to lack of non-verbal cues.
Benefits of Effective Communication
Reduces costs
Increases worker motivation
Improves efficiency
Promotes customer satisfaction
Builds positive company culture
Encourages innovation
Effects of Poor Communication
Decreased employee motivation leading to low morale.
Increased costs due to inefficiencies.
Mistakes and inaccuracies in work processes.
Missed opportunities leading to potential losses.
Communication Barriers
Types:
Hierarchical/structural barriers
Noise and distractions
Language and jargon issues
Cultural differences
Lack of time
Technological barriers
Solutions:
Regular feedback session
Effective communication methods tailored to the workplace
Training for cultural awareness
2.2 RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS
Types of Employment:
Full-time: Works standard hours (e.g., 35 hours/week in the UK).
Part-time: Flexible working hours based on availability.
Job Sharing: Two part-time contracts for one role.
Temporary/Casual: Work based on need (e.g., seasonal jobs).
Recruitment Process Steps
Define the role (job description/specification).
Decide on internal or external recruitment.
Advertise using cost-effective methods.
Receive applications.
Shortlist candidates.
Interview and assess.
Recruitment Documents
Person Specification: Essential characteristics of an ideal candidate.
Job Description: Key responsibilities of the role.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Applicant's educational and work history.
Application Form: Standardized document for applicants.
Comparing Application Forms and CVs
Application Forms: Standardized for easy comparison.
CVs: Customized, more flexibility but may vary inconsistent formats.
Internal vs. External Recruitment
Internal: Hiring from within the organization, quicker adaptation.
External: Hiring from outside, bringing in new skills and ideas.
Shortlisting and Interviews
Shortlisting: Candidates meeting job criteria selected for interviews.
Interviews: Assess candidates using standardized questions for fairness.
Legal Controls Over Employment
Regulations that govern employer-employee relationships (e.g., pay, safety, discrimination).
Benefits of Complying with Employment Laws
Improved reputation and employee satisfaction.
Mitigation against legal issues.
Minimum Wage Laws
Legal lowest wage requirement.
Variability in minimum wage systems across countries.
Impacts of National Minimum Wage
Increased costs for employers but raises living standards for workers.
Motivates higher productivity due to better pay.
TRAINING
Definition: Teaching new skills and improving existing ones.
Types:
Induction Training: Introduces new employees to the company.
On-the-job Training: Learning in the work environment.
Off-the-job Training: External education for skill development.
Importance of Well-trained Employees
Boosts productivity and retention.
Enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.
Motivation Theories
Taylor's Scientific Management: Focus on pay and close supervision.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Motivation is need-based progression.
Herzberg's Two Factor Theory: Job satisfaction is influenced by hygiene and motivator factors.
Organizational Structures
Definitions:
Chain of Command: Flow of information.
Span of Control: Number of subordinates.
Delegation: Assignment of tasks to subordinates.
Advantages of Delegation
Frees up managerial time and empowers employees.
Provides training and development opportunities for staff.
Functional Areas in a Business
Roles:
Human Resources: Handles recruitment and employee welfare.
Finance: Manages funds and financial planning.
Marketing: Understands customer needs and promotes products.
Production: Manages manufacturing and quality control.
Collaboration Between Functional Areas
Cooperation among areas enhances overall efficiency and performance.
Case Examples
Discussion of business practices and examples, including recruitment processes and internal operations.