Employer & Employee Relations (AQA A Level Business): Flashcards
Exam code: 7132
1/390Still learning
Know0
Why can involving employees lead to better-informed decisions?
Was this flashcard helpful?
Cards in this collection (39)
Why can involving employees lead to better-informed decisions?
Employees have direct knowledge of operations, customers and processes that managers often lack.
Decisions that employees have helped shape gain employee ____, so they are more likely to be accepted and implemented smoothly.
Decisions that employees have helped shape gain employee buy in, so they are more likely to be accepted and implemented smoothly.
True or False?
Asking employees for their views can damage trust if their input is not reflected in the final decision.
True.
Employees whose input is not reflected in the final decision may feel ignored, so trust can be damaged. They may also become disengaged.
Why might some employees not want to be involved in decision-making?
Some employees prefer clear direction from management rather than shared responsibility.
Define collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining is the process by which trade union representatives negotiate with an employer to reach agreements that apply to all union members.
Define shop steward.
A shop steward is an elected trade union representative who works within the organisation and acts as the first point of contact between union members and management on a day-to-day basis.
Why has collective bargaining power fallen in many UK industries?
Trade union membership has declined sharply in the UK private sector, which has reduced collective bargaining power.
Define employee forum.
An employee forum is a formal body of elected employee representatives that meets regularly with management to discuss business matters before decisions are finalised.
True or False?
Employee forums always speed up business decision-making.
False.
Employee forums can slow down decision-making if management must consult the forum before acting.
Define quality circle.
A quality circle is a small group of employees who meet regularly to identify, discuss and solve work-related problems, particularly those relating to quality and efficiency.
Quality circles are linked to the philosophy of ____, which means continuous, incremental improvement led by the people closest to the work.
Quality circles are linked to the philosophy of kaizen, which means continuous, incremental improvement led by the people closest to the work.
Define consultation.
Consultation is the process of formally seeking employees' views before a decision is made.
When is consultation legally required in the UK for redundancies?
Consultation is mandatory where redundancies involve 20 or more employees within a 90-day period.
Define employer-employee relations.
Employer-employee relations, also called industrial relations, describes the state of the relationship between a business and its workforce.
Why can a lack of consultation damage employer-employee relations?
Employees feel that major decisions are imposed rather than discussed. This undermines their sense of respect and creates a "them and us" situation.
What can cause job insecurity among employees?
The threat of redundancy, increased use of zero-hours contracts or outsourcing can cause job insecurity. This creates anxiety and reduces employee commitment.
Poor communication from management can create uncertainty, cause _____ and lead to mistrust.
Poor communication from management can create uncertainty, cause rumours and lead to mistrust.
Define industrial action.
Industrial action is collective steps taken by employees to put pressure on an employer.
What is a work-to-rule?
In a work-to-rule, employees follow every contractual rule and procedure to the letter. This slows operations without technically breaking their contract.
True or False?
During a go-slow, employees keep working but at a deliberately reduced pace.
True.
A go-slow means working at a deliberately reduced pace. It differs from a strike, where employees refuse to work entirely and do not get paid.
What is an overtime ban?
In an overtime ban, employees refuse to work beyond their contracted hours. This reduces output in businesses that depend on overtime.
How can poor employer-employee relations lead to legal disputes?
Unresolved complaints can escalate to employment tribunal claims, which are costly and time-consuming for the business.
Define grievance procedure.
A grievance procedure is a formal process where employees can raise complaints or concerns.
True or False?
Negotiating with trade unions once a dispute has begun is more effective than dialogue before disputes occur.
False.
Dialogue with union representatives before disputes occur is more effective than negotiation once conflict has already begun.
Define ACAS.
ACAS is an independent public body funded by the government that provides guidance, training and dispute resolution services to employers and employees.
What is the difference between conciliation and arbitration in the work of ACAS?
Conciliation helps the two sides reach a voluntary agreement. Arbitration results in a binding decision.
Define individual representation.
Individual representation is when a single employee is supported or represented in a specific dispute, meeting or procedure, such as a disciplinary hearing or grievance meeting.
Why can individual representation be intimidating for an employee?
The employee may feel isolated when facing management alone. They also have limited bargaining power compared with a collective body.
Define collective representation.
Collective representation is when a group of employees is represented together, usually through a trade union, in negotiations or discussions that affect all members.
Collective representation gives employees more power than acting alone because there is ______ in numbers.
Collective representation gives employees more power than acting alone because there is strength in numbers.
Define trade union.
A trade union is an independent organisation that represents the collective interests of workers, negotiating with employers on pay, working conditions and employment rights.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement sets out the outcomes of collective bargaining, such as pay, hours and holiday entitlement. It applies across all workers represented by the trade union.
What legal rights do trade union safety representatives have?
Trade union safety representatives have a legal right to inspect the workplace and to be consulted on safety matters.
True or False?
As well as negotiating pay, trade unions provide their members with training.
True.
Trade unions provide members with training in employment rights, health and safety and workplace skills. They also campaign for improvements to workers' rights at a national level.
Why can trade union involvement sometimes increase tension in a business?
Some employers view union involvement as adversarial, which can itself increase tension.
Define employee forum.
An employee forum is a formal body of elected employee representatives who meet regularly with management to discuss workplace matters, share information and raise employee concerns.
True or False?
Employee forums are only open to trade union members.
False.
Employee forums exist within the business and are open to all employees regardless of union membership.
Employee forums are generally ___________, in contrast to the adversarial nature of many trade union negotiations.
Employee forums are generally collaborative, in contrast to the adversarial nature of many trade union negotiations.
Why do employee forums have less power than trade unions?
Employee forums have no formal bargaining power, so management can choose to ignore their recommendations.
Sign up to unlock flashcards
or