Human resources

Table of Contents

1. Topic pack - introduction
2. 2.1 Human Resource Planning - Notes
3. 2.1 Human resource planning - questions
4. 2.2 Organisational structure - notes
5. 2.2 Organisational structure - questions
   1. Organisational structure - self-test
   2. Formal and informal organisation - short answer questions
   3. Delegation and consultation - case study
   4. Organisation of human resources - short answer questions
   5. Telepresence robots handle business travel
   6. Microsoft awards multi-year outsourcing contracts to Infosys
   7. Delegation: the key to growth
   8. Get rid of the hierarchies
6. 2.3 Communication - notes
7. 2.3 Communication - questions
8. 2.4 Leadership and management - notes
9. 2.4 Leadership and management - questions
10. 2.5 Motivation - notes
11. 2.5 Motivation - questions
12. 2.5 Motivation - simulations and activities
13. 2.6 Organisational and corporate cultures - notes (HL only)
14. 2.6 Organisational and corporate cultures - questions
15. 2.7 Employer and employee relations - notes (HL only)
16. 2.7 Employer and employee relations - questions
17. 2.8 Crisis management and contingency planning - notes
18. 2.8 Crisis management and contingency planning - questions
19. Printable version

Organisational structure - self-test

1

Functional organisation Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a functional organisation? a) Accountability b) Clarity c) Specialisation d) Consistency Yes, that's correct. Well done. This is an advantage of an organisation that is based around functional areas.No, that's not right. The correct answer is D, though some may say that this could be an advantage of the function based organisational structure. The others are normally put forward as advantages of such a system.Your answer has been saved.

2

Matrix organisation What characteristic listed below is a major advantage of the matrix system of organisation? a) Flexibility b) Respect c) Individualism d) Understanding Yes, that's correct. Well done. Flexibility is considered to be a key advantage of an organisation that is based around project teams (matrix structure).No, that's not right. Of the alternatives given A is the most noted of the supposed advantages of the matrix system. B is earned regardless of system, whilst C might emerge from a system which normally has greater levels of empowerment within it. D would hopefully form part of any system used by an organisation.Your answer has been saved.

3

Delayering Of the possible advantages of a narrow span of control listed below which one is likely to lead to greater delayering? a) Delegation can be better managed b) Those at the top of the organisation have less obvious control over subordinates c) Costs can be reduced as certain management functions are no longer needed d) The need for written communication is reduced Yes, that's correct. Well done. If certain management functions are no longer required, this would allow for some managerial positions to be scrapped; delayering.No, that's not right. The correct answer is C as it would allow for some managerial positions to be scrapped. The others are advantages of a narrow span of control.Your answer has been saved.

4

Centralisation One of the main advantages of a more 'centralised' system of management is said to be more control over decision-making. Which of the following is used to support such a claim? a) Greater accuracy in decision-making b) It aids consistency and predictability within the organisation c) The company has a more focused approach to decision-making d) Employees tend to be more satisfied with their levels of responsibility Yes, that's correct. Well done. The business will be led by the same individuals because it is more centralised and their style will form the basis of all major decisions.No, that's not right. The correct answer is B as the business will be led by the same individuals and their style will form the basis of all major decisions. A could also take place and would be a close second of those listed. C might also arise and shows just how difficult it is to use just one reason for the adoption of a style of management. However, the 'experts' normally quote B as the most obvious advantage. D is the least likely as employees tend to feel more satisfied when working in a de-centralised environment as they can make more decisions.Your answer has been saved.

5

Effective delegation There are several factors that need to be in place so that delegation can be effective. Which of the following needs to be 'active' to promote effective delegation? a) Good communications b) A pleasant working environment c) Adequate support d) Access to IT Yes, that's correct. Well done. Adequate support is vital if delegation is to be effective. Without adequate support the individual will feel isolated and may not perform as others and they themselves had wished.No, that's not right. You may be able to argue for more than one of the above as the correct answer. However, we have to arrive at one correct answer and the most appropriate is C. Without adequate support the individual will feel isolated and may not perform as others and they themselves had wished. A is essential for all businesses and it does not matter whether delegation is taking place or not. B is also essential for any business. D is also a fact of life of any modern business.Your answer has been saved.