Effective Employer -Employee Relations A2 Business Studies

Aims and Objectives Aim: Understand methods of increasing competitiveness of organisational structures Objectives: Define internal and external communication Explain methods of internal and external communication Analyse effective communication Evaluate effective communication.

Starter HRM Battleships

Effective Relations The successful modern business recognises the need for positive, constructive relationships between employers and employees.

Effective Relations Three key areas where a business can focus to make the employer/employee relationship work are: Communication systems in a business Involving employees (and their representatives) in the decision-making process Resolving industrial and other disputes with employees

Communication Methods Communication can be defined as: The process by which a message or information is exchanged from a sender to a receiver . Communication can be: Internal: between people in the same business External: with people outside the business

Internal Communication It links together all the different activities involved in a business. It also aims to ensure that all employees are working towards the same goal and know exactly what they should be doing and by when. Brainstorm as many internal communication methods as you can.

Internal Communication Meetings E-mail Conference calls Team briefings Message boards Induction sessions

External Communication Where the business communicates with people & organisations outside of the business. This is closely linked with the idea of “stakeholders” – i.e. those who have an interest in the activities and results of the business Brainstorm as many external communication methods as you can.

External Communication Press releases Marketing materials - adverts Published financial info Letters, emails Telephone calls

What is Effective Communication? The sender and receiver of information are properly matched The message is communicated clearly – i.e. without misunderstanding or misinterpretation Communication is made using an appropriate communication channel and/or method The receiver of the communication is able to pass on any relevant and appropriate feedback (i.e. two-way communication)

Benefits of Effective Communication? Motivates employees – helps them feel part of business. Easier to control and coordinate business activity – prevents different parts of business going in opposite directions. Makes successful decision making easier – decisions are based on more complete and accurate information. Better communication with customers will increase sales. Improve relationships with suppliers. Improves chances of obtaining finance – e.g. keeping bank up-to-date about how business is doing.

Link with Theorists Mayo emphasised importance of communication in meeting employees’ social needs Maslow and Herzberg stressed importance of recognising employee’s achievements and self-esteem needs

Barriers to Effective Communication For each of the following discuss how it may be a barrier to communicating effectively: Language Noise Information overload Technology Emotion Inconsistency

EV: Effective Communication What does the success of effective communication depend on? Organisational structure Spans of control Technological systems reliability Language/cultural barriers