Business Studies

Training and Worker support

Learning Objectives:

To understand the ways training can be done and the advantages and disadvantages of training

To learn about trade unions and the role they play

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

Why do businesses invest in training their staff?

• introduce a new process or skill

• increase efficiency of the workforce

• upgrade the skill level (enhance worker value to the business)

• decrease level of supervision needed (increase safety)

• improve the chance for internal worker promotion

Training is usually trying to:

• increase skills

• increase knowledge

• change attitudes or raise awareness of particular issues

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

Training can be carried out:

• on the job

• off the fob

• at induction into a new job

Can you think of some examples of each type of training method?

What would some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of training method?

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

Advantages Disadvantages

More flexible labour force (multi-skilled)

Employee may look elsewhere for better job

Increased productivity Loss of output while training takes place

More motivated and committed workers

Cost of training – time and money

Better quality of product or service

Ability to use new technology or equipment

Raised expectations for job promotion

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

What circumstances may lead to the following:

• Dismissal of a worker

• Workers being made redundant

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6402859.stm

How would a “voluntary” redundancy situation be better for workers than being made redundant without their agreement?

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

What is a trade union?

A trade union is a type of pressure group – it consists of workers who have joined together so that their interests in the workplace can be protected

Trade unions help workers with issues such as:

• a fair wage or salary

• safe working conditions and environment

• training and improvement opportunities

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

The benefits of joining a trade union are:

• strength in numbers

• improved working conditions

• representation in a grievance with management

• improved pay/salary

• advice if treated unfairly

• improved communication between workers and management

• improved services for workers – insurance, social support

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

What is collective bargaining?

What is a productivity agreement?

What circumstances may lead to a workers’ union taking industrial action?

• poor wages and/or working conditions

• poor management (eg. authoritarian bullying behaviour)

• poor management – business planning

How is the industrial action usually resolved?

• CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION processes

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

http://www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk/GcseBusiness/Activities/activitymenu.htm

Business Studies

Training and Worker support

http://ninemsn.it.seek.com.au/users/apply/index.ascx?Sequence=4&PageNumber=1&JobID=10800570