Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Business (1BS0) · Spec 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3 and 2.5.4
Making human resource decisions
Read the notes, then try the questions. Each one is marked the moment you press Check, and shows the right answer and why.
Key ideas
- Structures can be centralised or decentralised. Decentralised lets local managers decide, so decisions suit local customers. Job roles include directors, senior managers, supervisors and operational staff.
- Good communication needs a suitable channel and clear messages. Jargon and noise are barriers.
- Recruitment uses a job description (the duties of the role) and a person specification (the person needed). Recruiting externally brings fresh ideas and skills.
- Training can be induction, on-the-job (such as shadowing) or off-the-job, or self-learning.
- Financial motivation includes pay, bonuses, commission, promotion and fringe benefits. Non-financial includes job rotation, job enrichment and autonomy.
- Structures can be hierarchical (many levels) or flat (few levels). Ways of working include full-time, part-time, flexible hours, temporary and freelance contracts, and remote working.
Key terms
- Decentralised
- Day-to-day decisions are made by local or branch managers.
- Job description
- A document setting out the duties and responsibilities of a role.
- Induction
- Training given when someone first joins a business.
- Job rotation
- Moving staff between different tasks regularly.
- Autonomy
- Freedom to decide how and when to do your job.
- Commission
- Pay based on the value or number of sales made.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up job description (about the job) and person specification (about the person).
- Calling a bonus non-financial. Bonuses and commission are financial.
- Thinking motivation only means pay. Autonomy and job rotation also motivate.
Exam tip
For a motivation question, name the method, say how it changes the way a worker feels or behaves, then link that to the business, for example fewer staff leaving. Saying morale improves is not enough for the analysis mark.
Free practice questions
8 questions, 12 marks. Answer, then press Check. The marking guide explains how the marks are worked out. Nothing is saved.
- Question 1 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which is a benefit of decentralisation for a chain of shops?
- Question 2 · Matching[4 marks]
Match each job role to its main responsibility.
- Question 3 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
What is the main purpose of a job description in recruitment?
- Question 4 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of the following is an advantage of recruiting a new employee externally rather than internally?
- Question 5 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of the following is an example of on-the-job training?
- Question 6 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Which of the following is a financial method of motivating employees?
- Question 7 · Multiple choice[1 mark]
Call centre staff swap between answering calls, emails and live chat each week. Which non-financial method of motivation is this?
- Question 8 · Choose more than one[2 marks]
Which TWO of the following are non-financial methods of motivating employees?
Choose 2.