What defines a small business in terms of employee count?
Employs between 1 and 49 people
This classification helps in understanding the scale and resources of a business.
What defines a medium-sized business in terms of employee count?
Employs between 50 and 249 people
Medium-sized businesses often have more resources than small businesses.
What defines a large business in terms of employee count?
Employs 250 people or more
Large businesses typically have significant market influence and resources.
How do businesses view staff as assets?
- Valuing employees
- Concern for welfare
- Providing acceptable remuneration
- Offering training and job security
- Ensuring a safe working environment
This approach can lead to higher productivity and employee satisfaction.
How do businesses view staff as costs?
- Minimizing wages
- Using zero-hours contracts
- Neglecting training
- Providing minimum legal rights
- Imposing penalties for lateness
This approach may lead to lower morale and productivity.
What is a flexible workforce?
A workforce that can respond to changes in market demand
Flexibility allows businesses to adapt quickly to market conditions.
Name methods to increase the flexibility of a workforce.
- Multi-skilling
- Part-time and temporary staff
- Zero-hour contracts
- Flexible hours and home working
- Outsourcing
- Contractors and consultants
These methods help businesses manage labor costs and adapt to demand.
What are the advantages for workers with part-time and flexible contracts?
- Ideal for parents, students, elderly
- Greater variety in working lives
Flexibility can enhance work-life balance for certain demographics.
What are the disadvantages for workers with part-time and flexible contracts?
- Earning less than full-time workers
- Lower pay rates
- Inferior job security and conditions
These contracts may not provide the same benefits as full-time employment.
What are the advantages for businesses of a flexible workforce?
- Quick expansion and contraction
- Cost-effective for specialist jobs
- Outsourcing training costs
- Efficient operation with flexible hours
Flexibility can lead to operational efficiencies and cost savings.
What are the disadvantages for businesses of a flexible workforce?
- More employees to manage
- Difficult communication
- Lower motivation levels
- Potential quality issues with outsourced work
Managing a flexible workforce can introduce complexities.
Define dismissal.
Being sacked due to incompetence or breach of discipline
Dismissal can occur for various reasons, including unfair treatment.
What is redundancy?
No work or insufficient work for the employee
Employees are entitled to redundancy payments under the Employment Act.
What is the difference between individual bargaining and collective bargaining?
- Individual bargaining: Single employee negotiates with management
- Collective bargaining: Negotiation between employers and workforce representatives
Collective bargaining often leads to more structured agreements.
What are the advantages of collective bargaining?
- Transparent agreements
- Cost-effective negotiations
- Fairer outcomes
- Avoids unfair treatment
Collective bargaining can empower employees and ensure fair treatment.
What are the disadvantages of collective bargaining?
- More bureaucracy
- Individual views may not be represented
- High negotiation costs
- Risk of strike action
Collective bargaining can complicate negotiations and management.
