Question 1

What control strategies did Friedman identify?

Accepted Answer

Friedman identified two main control strategies: direct control and responsible autonomy. Direct control involves close supervision and monitoring of workers, while responsible autonomy gives workers more freedom and responsibility, under the assumption that this will lead to higher motivation and productivity.

Question 2

Describe a 'technical control' strategy.

Accepted Answer

Technical control was embedded in technical organisation and work design. It was a form of control where the degree of discretion in work was low.

Question 3

List and briefly describe the three main collective managerial styles.

Accepted Answer

Bargained constitutional: A style that accommodates itself to unions but developed around the need to achieve control and the institutionalisation of conflict
Modern paternalist: Embraces a welfare-oriented approach to employees but recognises and values relationships with unions and other employee representatives
Sophisticated consultative: A strong commitment to the development of employees and to their involvement in the processes of decision-making and problem-solving.

Question 4

Employment relations policies and practices, adopted by management, will be affected by:

Accepted Answer

All of the options given here are correct. Management's interests are likely to influence their employment relations policies and practices, as they may prioritize profits or cost-cutting measures over employee welfare. The type of business strategy used by management, such as a low-cost strategy, may also lead to certain employment relations policies and practices, such as outsourcing or keeping wages low. The values held by management, such as a commitment to employee rights or social responsibility, can also shape employment relations policies and practices. Therefore, all of these factors can affect management's decisions regarding employment relations.

Question 5

Describe the 'responsible autonomy' control strategy.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Godard and Delany (2000) argue that 'there is evidence that new work and HRM practices negatively affect workers largely because they intensify the work process and increase stress'. Do you agree? Discuss why or why not.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

What is management?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Constraints on managerial discretion include:

Accepted Answer

All of the options given in the question are correct. Constraints on managerial discretion are influenced by various factors including state regulations, technology, trade unions and industrial tribunals, market influences, and more. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

Question 9

What is the role of management in the employment relationship?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

List three factors affecting how managers conduct their relations with employees and their representatives.

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Question 11

List Porter's three generic business strategies and give two features of each.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Employer associations could be described as:

Accepted Answer

Employer associations are collective organizations of employers who come together to represent their interests and common concerns in dealing with employees, the government, and other stakeholders. They are also meant to be the employer equivalent of unions for employees, providing a platform for collective bargaining and advocacy on behalf of their members. Hence, option B is the best choice.

Question 13

List and briefly describe four forms of managerial control.

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Question 14

What are the main constraints on managerial discretion?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Which of the following generic business strategies did Porter identify?

Accepted Answer

Porter identified three generic business strategies: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. The options given in the question (innovation, quality enhancement, and cost reduction) are commonly used tactics to achieve one or more of these strategies. Therefore, all of the options given here are correct.

Question 16

What do Katz and Derbishire argue are the four patterns of workplace practices?

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Question 17

Describe the two dimensions of Purcell's categorisation of management style.

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Question 18

Briefly describe the 'sophisticated human relations', paternalist and traditional management styles.

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Question 19

What are employer associations?

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Examples of Australian employer associations are:

Accepted Answer

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Business Council of Australia (BCA) are both examples of employer associations in Australia, representing the interests of businesses and employers across the country. The other options include a mix of government agencies and trade unions.

Quiz 5: Management and Employer Representatives