Developing People (AQA A Level Business): Flashcards
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Define workforce planning.
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Cards in this collection (42)
Define workforce planning.
Workforce planning focuses on identifying how many and what kind of employees are needed in a business.
How does workforce planning help a business control labour costs?
It helps avoid overstaffing, which is expensive, and understaffing, which reduces productivity and service quality.
In some sectors and specialist roles, ______________ mean there are not enough qualified candidates in the labour market to meet demand.
In some sectors and specialist roles, skills shortages mean there are not enough qualified candidates in the labour market to meet demand.
True or False?
A poor reputation as an employer has little effect on the applications a business receives.
False.
Candidates usually research businesses before applying. A poor employer reputation can significantly reduce the quality and volume of applications.
Define recruitment.
Recruitment is the process of attracting and identifying potential job candidates who are suitable for a particular role.
How does effective recruitment reduce staff turnover?
Employees who are well-matched to their roles are more likely to stay.
What is the difference between a job description and a job specification?
A job description outlines the duties, responsibilities and requirements of the job. A job specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and personal qualities required from a candidate.
Define internal recruitment.
Internal recruitment is the process of hiring employees from within the organisation.
True or False?
Filling a post by promoting an existing employee creates a further vacancy.
True.
Promoting or redeploying an employee creates a further vacancy in the role they leave behind.
Why is external recruitment riskier than recruiting from within?
External candidates are unknown to the business, so there is a greater degree of uncertainty. It is also often more expensive.
What is the main advantage of using a standard application form in selection?
All applicants provide identical information in the same format, making comparisons easier and reducing the risk of bias.
A CV is usually accompanied by a ___________________, which explains why the applicant wants the job and why they would be suitable.
A CV is usually accompanied by a letter of application, which explains why the applicant wants the job and why they would be suitable.
What do assessment tests allow shortlisted candidates to demonstrate?
Tests let candidates demonstrate their integrity, suitability, aptitude or specific skills. This helps the business judge whether they would be a good fit within the existing team.
True or False?
Referees are usually contacted before candidates are shortlisted.
False.
Referees are typically contacted once a job offer has been made. They should know the candidate in a professional capacity.
Define talent management.
Talent management refers to the strategies and processes a business uses to attract, manage, develop and retain skilled employees in order to meet its objectives.
How does effective talent management benefit a business?
Effective talent management reduces costs, improves productivity and helps the business build a competitive advantage through its people.
Define induction training.
Induction training is an introductory programme for new employees, covering essential information about their role, the organisation, its policies and health and safety requirements.
True or False?
Performance improvement plans are used to reward employees who exceed their targets.
False.
Performance improvement plans (PIPs) are structured support plans for employees who are not meeting expectations. They set out targets and timescales for improvement.
Developing talent supports _________________, preparing employees for more senior roles so the business is not dependent on external recruitment.
Developing talent supports succession planning, preparing employees for more senior roles so the business is not dependent on external recruitment.
What is the difference between on-the-job and off-the-job training?
On-the-job training is learning through doing and is cost-effective, but relies on the quality of the trainer. Off-the-job training is delivered away from the workplace and is broader in scope, but more expensive.
Define mentoring.
Mentoring is a long-term relationship in which a more experienced employee guides a junior colleague's professional development.
True or False?
A business that invests heavily in training risks losing trained employees to competitors.
True.
Once their skills have improved, trained employees may be attractive to competitors, so heavy investment in development carries this risk.
Define staff retention.
Staff retention refers to a business's ability to keep its employees over time.
Why is a high level of staff retention valuable to a business?
High retention reduces recruitment costs and preserves the skills and knowledge employees have built up. It also helps build a positive employer reputation.
How does employee voice help a business keep its staff?
Giving employees a say through surveys, forums or trade union representation increases their sense of ownership.
Define employee appraisal.
Employee appraisal is a process where a manager or supervisor assesses an employee's job performance.
What is performance measured against in an employee appraisal?
Performance is measured against the tasks and responsibilities stated in the employee's job description.
True or False?
Employee appraisals always increase staff motivation.
False.
High-stakes appraisals can cause anxiety and stress, leading to demotivation or performance anxiety.
Define team.
A team is a group of people who work together towards a shared goal, each contributing different skills and areas of expertise.
How does division of labour within a team benefit a business?
Tasks can be split according to individual strengths, improving efficiency and quality of output.
True or False?
Teams adapt more slowly to changing demands than rigid individual roles.
False.
Teams offer flexibility, as they can adapt more quickly to changing demands than rigid individual roles.
Team members support each other by offering encouragement, sharing _______ during busy periods and covering for colleagues when needed.
Team members support each other by offering encouragement, sharing workloads during busy periods and covering for colleagues when needed.
How many conditions did Hackman argue teams need to perform at their best?
Hackman argued that teams need five conditions to perform at their best. The absence of any one can significantly reduce a team's effectiveness.
What three features make a group a real team in Hackman's model?
A real team has clear boundaries, members who are interdependent and reasonably stable membership.
Hackman's second condition is a __________________, which is a clear, challenging and meaningful goal that gives the team's work a sense of purpose.
Hackman's second condition is a compelling direction, which is a clear, challenging and meaningful goal that gives the team's work a sense of purpose.
What three elements make up an enabling structure in Hackman's model?
An enabling structure needs the right mix of people, clear norms of conduct and a motivating task.
True or False?
Hackman argued that large teams of 12 or more people work best on complex tasks.
False.
Hackman argued that most teams are too large, recommending groups of six to eight people for complex work.
Why should reward systems recognise team performance rather than only individual achievement?
If rewards recognise only individual achievement, members compete with each other rather than collaborate.
At which three points did Hackman argue expert coaching is most valuable?
Coaching is most valuable at the start of a project, at the midpoint and at the end.
Define social loafing.
Social loafing is when individuals contribute less effort because they assume others will compensate, which is more common in larger teams.
True or False?
Some disagreement within a team can be healthy for its performance.
True.
Some disagreement can lead to better ideas and challenge assumptions. It is unresolved conflict that damages relationships, morale and performance.
Which two focuses must effective team leaders balance?
Effective team leaders balance task focus, ensuring the work gets done, with people focus, maintaining morale, motivation and positive working relationships.
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