Human Resource Management

Employee Relations

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Table of contents

Table of contents 2

1.0 Introduction 5

1.1 Explain the unitary and pluralistic frames of reference 5

Pluralistic 5

Unitary 5

1.2 Evaluate how the changes in trade unionism in the 20th century have affected employee relations within the organisation 6

1.3 Explain the role of 4 main players in employee relations of an organisation 6

Manager 6

Workers 7

Organization 7

Government 7

1.4 Why do you think the field of 'Industrial Relations' has been replaced with the name 'Employee Relations' over the years? Give examples to support your answer 8

2.1 Explain the procedures an organisation should follow when dealing with different conflict situations. (Mention the conflict situations and the different procedures of resolving them) 8

Dispute with employer/ boss 8

Dispute with peers 9

Dispute with subordinates 9

2.2 Explain the key features of employee relations in a real life conflict situation of an organisation of your choice 9

2.3 Support your answer in 2.1 with examples from an organisation of your choice 10

2.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of procedures used in a conflict situation from real life organisation. 11

Negotiation 11

Mediation 11

2.5 Present findings from the reasons for conflict between British Airways Cabin Crew staff and management. How was the conflict solved and through which procedures? 11

3.1 Explain the role of negotiation in collective bargaining 12

3.2 Critically reflect on any current conflict situation of any public or private organisation in UK and give clear conclusions on the effectiveness of negotiation process between two parties. 13

3.3 Evaluate the impact of negotiation strategy of London Transport Association for conflict with Tube workers in recent times. 13

4.1 Evaluate the influence of the EU policies and directives on industrial democracy of workers within the UK. 14

4.2 Taking help from the answer to Question 4.1 produce a report for LCC and recommend how these EU policies can benefit the organisation for long term. 15

4.3 Compare 3 methods used to gain employee participation and involvement in the decision making process in organisations 15

Employee analysis 15

Teamwork/ quality circle 15

Suggestion box 16

4.4 Assess the impact of human resource management on employee relations 16

4.5 Support your answer in P11 by critically evaluating the impact of any 3 HR practices in improving employee relations in a large organisation of your choice 16

Training 17

Employee involvement 17

Performance appraisal 17

4.6 Conclusion 18

References 19

1.0 Introduction

Employee relation is a study that deals with management of workers within an organization. This is an essential area, which can lead to the success or failure of an organization, depending on the actions and techniques used. Employee relations ensure that good rapport is maintained at all levels in order to facilitate devotion, productivity and motivation. It also emphasizes on how well the management can avoid and handle conflict between workers at the same or different level of organization structure. Therefore, the rest part of this paper will focus on questions relating to employee relations

1.1 Explain the unitary and pluralistic frames of reference

Pluralistic

Pluralistic frame of references concentrate on matters relating to individual and group interest within an organization (Shaun, 2012, p. 327). In this concept an organization is seen as a flexible structure, with just a passing interest in the formal goals of a firm. Authority and leadership are important component, mainly when settling dispute within the company. Disputes are treated as noble occurrence, which has the power to contribute towards the well being of an organization.

Unitary

Unitary frames of reference focus much on achieving comparable objectives within an organization. It refers organization as a unit that is being integrated by similar objectives (Shaun, 2012, p. 327). Individuals are brought together in order to contribute through their skills and ability in achieving the set objectives. At this point power is not seen as an important aspect in an organization. Philosophies such as leadership and authority are managerial privilege of enabling the company achieve its objectives. In unitary frame of reference, differences or conflicts are unusual happenings, which the management is capable of, prevented if the right measure and strategies are implemented.

1.2 Evaluate how the changes in trade unionism in the 20th century have affected employee relations within the organisation

The transformation which took place in the trade unionism during the 20th century made a huge contribution to the well being of employee's relations. For the first time, international trade barriers were removed, which enhance trade in different nations. Companies were able to sell their product to other nation or import items that they could not manufacture, at a cheaper price. Job opportunities were created and this helped many families earn a good