Role of HR
The ‘new’ human resources function places a higher value on...
the contribution of the employee to the business.
Interdependence is defined as...
The mutual dependence that the key business functions have on one another.
Name FOUR of the TEN Minimum Employment Standards.
1. Maximum weekly hours of work
2. Requests for flexible working arrangements
3. Parental leave and related entitlements
4. Annual leave
5. Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave
6. Community service leave
7. Long service leave
8. Public holidays
9. Notice of termination and redundancy pay
10. Provision of a Fair Work Information Statement
Name TWO benefits of training for the business:
1. Higher productivity through better job performance and more efficient use of human resources
2. Goals and objectives more effectively met
3. Reduced costs due to less labour turnover and absenteeism, and fewer errors and accidents
4. A more capable, ‘mobile’ workforce
Distinguish between the autocratic and democratic leadership style.
Autocratic: Managers who make decisions quickly and in many cases without input from staff characterise an autocratic leadership style.
Democratic: characterised by a more consultative approach between managers and workers that encourages them to be more engaged in the decision-making process.
A strategic (or big picture) approach to managing employees involves 2 things...
1. To retain, reward and motivate effective and skilled employees.
2. Seeing an effective workforce as a way of adding value to all areas.
Name ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of outsourcing.
Advantages: expand capacity, improve quality, save costs, access new networks, conserve capital.
Disadvantages: less integrated, quality may fall, hidden costs, reduce business learning.
What are the primary functions of the Fair Work Commission? (Name 2 of the 4 at least).
settling disputes through conciliation, supervising the making of agreements or awards and award simplification, hearing appeals and handling unfair dismissal cases.
Maintaining and keeping your staff is really important. Name THREE features of a family-friendly workplace and explain why this important in today's world.
Flexible reward options
Flexible working hours
Flexible study arrangements
Career break schemes
Working from home
Job sharing
Family leave
Define recruitment. (There is three components I am looking for...)
The process of locating and attracting the right quantity and quality of staff to apply for employment vacancies.
Effective human resource management involves... (3 things)
1. Seeing employees as an asset rather than a cost
2. Encourages open communication
3. Seeks goal orientation
Why must HR managers work interdependently with other departments in an organization?
Collaboration ensures that HR practices align with departmental needs and support overall business goals (strategic).
What is the economic cycle, and how does it influence business management?
The demand for labour (employees) is determined by the demand for goods and services within the economy. During upturns, businesses can afford to invest in their businesses and employees compete for better wages. During downturns, businesses are forced to downsize or have wage decreases.
Job specialisation is starting to decrease in workplaces. What are the THREE types of job design used in today's workforce?
Job rotation
Job enlargment
Job enrichment
Job sharing
Name TWO advantages of internal recruitment and TWO advantages of external recruitment.
Internal: motivational for staff, builds loyalty, employees know culture, can lead to a succession of promotion.
External: wider applicant pool, diversity in employment, get specific skills.
Name THREE major strategic challenges for businesses in the coming years...
1. developing and retaining talented staff
2. improving leadership development
3. managing an ageing workforce
4. analysing the increased role of
technology
5. communicating fully to all stakeholders
6. the company’s position on ethics and corporate and social responsibility
7. discussing the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing in a global market.
Most specialist human resource managers are responsible for... (name THREE)
1. human resource planning and job design
2. acquisition: recruitment, selection and placement
3. development: induction, training, career development and performance appraisal
4. maintenance of staff: wellbeing, legal responsibilities and communication
5. separation
6. managing diversity, including the implementation of gender equity and anti-discrimination legislation.
Name TWO social influences on businesses and describe how it impacts the workforce today.
Changing work patterns
Career flexibility
Job mobility
Increased participation of women
Aging workforce
Living standards
When can an employee claim unfair dismissal?
- the business has more than 15 employees, either full-time or the equivalent, who have been employed for more than six months. This includes casuals with six months service.
- the processes for dismissal have not been carried out correctly (ie. dismissal was harsh/unreasonable, dismissal was not genuine).
What are FOUR key general skills businesses look for?
flexibility and versatility, social confidence, a positive attitude, motivation, ability to work as a team or independently, leadership & decision-making styles, willingness to learn, and ability to work under pressure.
HSC Question Time!
What is a reason for a business to use a democratic leadership style?
a) It has a project with a tight deadline
b) It has experienced, highly skilled employees
c) There is a need for more standardised procedures
d) There is a potentially dangerous work situation
b) It has experienced, highly skilled employees
HSC Question!
The training of staff in the manufacturing process is an example of interdependence between which business functions?
a) Finance & Marketing
b) Marketing & Operations
c) Finance & HR
d) Operations & HR
d) Operations and HR
HSC Question!
Which of the following is an example of corporate social responsibility?
a) Sponsoring a sporting event
b) Opening a manufacturing plant
c) Introducing a community health program
d) Paying compensation for a work-related injury
c) Introducing a community health program
HSC Question!
Which of the following is an example of voluntary separation in the workplace?
a) Dismissal
b) Promotion
c) Reinstatement
d) Resignation
d) Resignation
HSC Question!
A business has implemented a training program in the use of new machinery on the factory floor for its employees. What is the main reason for this training program?
a) To prevent accidents
b) To reduce absenteeism
c) To reduce staff turnover
d) To improve corporate culture
a) To prevent accidents