Question 1

A union resistance strategy involves the employer providing employee representation mechanisms,such as complaint procedures,to non-union employees.

Accepted Answer

Providing employee representation mechanisms can be a strategy used by employers to discourage employees from joining or forming a union. By giving employees other options to address their grievances, such as complaint procedures, the employer may attempt to prevent them from feeling the need to seek the collective bargaining and protection of a union.

Question 2

The extent of unionization of the industry in which a firm competes influences a firm's labour relations strategy.

Accepted Answer

The extent of unionization in the industry impacts the bargaining power of unions and the potential for collective bargaining agreements. This can influence a firm's decision to adopt a cooperative or adversarial approach towards labour relations.

Question 3

The legal environment does not affect an employer's ability to oppose unionization.

Accepted Answer

The legal environment does affect an employer's ability to oppose unionization. There are laws in place, such as the National Labor Relations Act, which governs the process of unionization and provides protections for employees seeking to unionize. Employers cannot engage in unfair labor practices or retaliate against employees for supporting a union. It is important for employers to understand and comply with these laws to avoid legal consequences.

Question 4

The premise of a union avoidance strategy is that employees will not turn to a union if they are treated fairly.

Accepted Answer

The core idea behind a union avoidance strategy is to create a positive work environment where employees are satisfied with their working conditions and compensation, reducing the likelihood that they will feel the need to seek out representation from a union. Therefore, treating employees fairly is a key component of this strategy.

Question 5

Wal-Mart is an organization that illustrates union opposition and removal strategies.

Accepted Answer

Wal-Mart has a reputation for opposing unions and implementing strategies to prevent their formation or removal. These strategies include things like mandatory anti-union meetings and retaliating against employees who attempt to organize.

Question 6

A union avoidance strategy involves an employer adopting both legal and illegal means to oppose unionization.

Accepted Answer

A union avoidance strategy involves an employer adopting legal means to oppose unionization, ensuring compliance with labor laws. Illegal actions would constitute unfair labor practices.

Question 7

The values or personal beliefs of some managers lead them to pursue control of the workplace.

Accepted Answer

Some managers may believe in a more authoritarian leadership style where control is necessary for maintaining order and achieving goals. This can sometimes come from personal values or beliefs about what constitutes effective leadership.

Question 8

Most Canadian firms adopt a strategy of union removal.

Accepted Answer

This statement is not true. While some Canadian firms may adopt a strategy of union removal, not all do. In fact, many Canadian firms have unionized workforces and engage in collective bargaining with unions.

Question 9

An employer's experience with unionization influences the employer's labour relations strategy.

Accepted Answer

An employer's previous experience with unionization can shape how they approach labour relations, as they may be more or less likely to be open to unionization or have different tactics for managing union activity.

Question 10

A union acceptance strategy refers to an employer voluntarily recognizing the union.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A union acceptance strategy refers to an...

Question 11

Labour relations strategy refers to how a firm competes in the marketplace.

Accepted Answer

Labour relations strategy refers to how a firm manages its relationships with employees and labor unions, focusing on collective bargaining, grievances, and other employment-related issues. It is a part of the overall HR strategy, and while it may impact a firm's competitiveness indirectly, it is not the same as how a firm competes in the marketplace.

Question 12

Concession bargaining is negotiation over employer demands for reductions in wages and benefits.

Accepted Answer

Concession bargaining refers to a negotiation process where employers demand reductions in employee wages and benefits. As a result of these demands, the employees must agree to make concessions or compromises to meet the employer's demands.

Question 13

Wal-Mart is an example of a firm using a differentiation strategy.

Accepted Answer

Wal-Mart primarily uses a cost leadership strategy, focusing on offering products at lower prices than competitors, rather than differentiating its products or services.

Question 14

Differentiation is a strategy that involves an organization competing on the basis of price.

Accepted Answer

Differentiation is a strategy that involves an organization competing on the basis of unique product features or quality that sets them apart from competitors, rather than price.

Question 15

Cost leadership is a strategy that involves an organization competing on the basis of price.

Accepted Answer

Cost leadership strategy is focused on achieving the lowest cost of production and operations in the industry, which translates to lower prices for customers, providing a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Question 16

Recently productivity growth has been the same in Canada and the United States.

Accepted Answer

Productivity growth rates can vary significantly between countries due to differences in technological advancements, labor market conditions, investment in research and development, and other economic factors. Historically, Canada and the United States have experienced periods of divergent productivity growth.

Question 17

Employers use public relations efforts as one of the methods to achieve their objectives.

Accepted Answer

Employers often use public relations efforts to enhance their reputation, attract potential employees, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders including customers, investors, and communities.

Question 18

Employers in Canada and United States have the same opportunities to oppose unionization of their employees.

Accepted Answer

In Canada and the United States, the legal frameworks and cultural attitudes towards unionization differ significantly, affecting the opportunities and methods employers can use to oppose unionization. Canadian labor laws are generally more favorable towards unions, providing less room for employers to intervene in the unionization process compared to the United States, where employers may have more tools and legal opportunities to oppose unionization efforts.

Question 19

The primary objectives of employers are to maximize profitability and maintain control over the workplace.

Accepted Answer

The primary objective of most employers is to maximize profitability, which may involve maintaining control over the workplace to ensure productivity and efficiency. Other objectives, such as providing a safe and healthy work environment or promoting employee satisfaction, may also be important to employers but are ultimately secondary to the goal of maximizing profitability.

Question 20

Employers in Canada have less opportunity to oppose unions than employers in the United States because of the reliance on membership cards in the certification process in all Canadian jurisdictions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Employers in Canada have less opportunity to...

Quiz 4: Employers: Objectives, Processes, and Strategy