Reference no: EM133570607

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Task One

Evaluate the principles of reward and its importance to organisational culture and performance management.

• Provide a brief definition of Employee Voice

• Review 2 examples of recent trends in employee voice (Direct Participation, Employee Representation at Board Level, Use of social media etc...) referring to the case study organisation GO QUEST.

• Summarise how to use these examples to build employee engagement.

AC 1.2
Differentiate between employee involvement and employee participation and how it builds relationships (approximately 300 words)

Use 3 sub-headings

• Explain the differences between Employee Involvement and Employee Participation.

• Using 1 example of employee involvement, explain how it could build strong and positive working relationships at the case study organisation GO QUEST.

• Using 1 example of employee participation, explain how it could build strong and positive working relationships at the case study organisation GO QUEST.

AC1.3
Assess a range of employee voice tools and approaches to drive employee engagement.
(approximately 400 words)

You MUST provide 3 examples of employee voice tools and 2 approaches. You should use a clear sub-heading for each example

• Explain the strengths and weaknesses of 3 employee voice tools that are used to drive employee engagement [ Surveys, Town Hall meetings, employee forums], based on your research and the case study GO QUEST.

• Explain the strengths and weaknesses of 2 approaches to driving employee engagement [ employee participation/involvement, total reward packages; coaching and mentoring; effective performance management etc.]

AC 1.4
Critically evaluate the interrelationships between employee voice and organisational performance (approximately 250 words)

• Using 2 subheadings provide 2 examples of employee voice from the previous task.

• Critically evaluate the interrelationship between these examples of employee voice and organisational performance. (to critically evaluate here means look at the pros and cons)

• Provide a balanced argument, based on the case study organisation GO QUEST.

AC 1.5

Explain the concept of better working lives and how this can be designed (approximately 250 words)

Use 3 sub-headings

• Define and explain the concept of better working lives (This is not the same as work-life balance)

• Using 2 examples, such as pay and benefits and health and safety, explain how these could be used to design a better working life within the case study organisation GO QUEST.

TASK TWO
You must include both long and short references

You should make reference to the case study GO QUEST where possible in your answers
You should use relevant theory where possible in your answers Please focus on the command verb highlighted at the start of each task
Total word count 2,400 words

AC2.1

Distinguish between organisational conflict and misbehaviour, and between informal and formal conflict. (approximately 250 words)

Use 2 subheadings OR 2 tables with sufficient explanatory narrative.

Please refer to CIPD and ACAS/UK legislation guidelines.

Define organisational conflict. Define organisational misbehaviour.
Advise GO QUEST on the differences between them.

Define formal conflict. Define informal conflict.
Advise GO QUEST on the differences between them.

AC2.2
Distinguish between official and unofficial employee action.
(approximately 200 words)

We suggest you use a table here with sufficient explanatory narrative.

• Explain official employee action and provide 2 specific examples. E.g. (balloting requirements; supported/authorised/sanctioned by trade union; relevant legislation and legal protection)

• Explain unofficial employee action and provide 2 specific examples. E.g. (lack of trade union or official authorisation, may be spontaneous, lack of legal protection for those involved)

• Advise GO QUEST on the differences between official and unofficial employee action.

AC2.3
Assess emerging trends in the types of conflict and industrial sanctions. (approximately 200 words)

Use 2 sub-headings

• Research emerging trends (recent changes) in types of conflict and industrial sanctions

• Explain the pros and cons of 2 recent trends E.g. (reverting back to large-scale national strikes; greater focus on individual employee voice; use of online petitions to drive support)

We recommend that you research recent industrial action in the UK.

AC2.4
Distinguish between third-party conciliation, mediation, and arbitration
(approximately 250 words)

Use 4 sub-headings Refer to ACAS guidelines.

• Define the three terms third-party Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration.

• Explain the differences between them. Use a minimum of 1 example of each to help differentiate (how are they different?)

AC3.1
Explain the principles of legislation relating to unfair dismissal in respect of capability and misconduct issues (approximately 225 words)

Use 2 sub-headings

• Base your answer on the UK Employment Rights Act 1996.

• Explain the term capability, according to the above act.
• When would it be unfair to dismiss someone for it?

• Explain the terms gross and ordinary misconduct, according to the above act.
• When would it be unfair to dismiss someone for it?

Provide examples of both, ideally from the case study organisation GO QUEST.

AC3.2
Analyse key causes of employee grievances
(approximately 225 words)

Use 3 sub-headings

• Analyse a minimum of 3 key causes of employee grievances - why do they happen?
What is their impact? What can be done to stop them?

Causes could include: - poor management, lack of flexibility, inequality in treatment, unfair rules, workload, working conditions, grading issues, interpretation of an existing collective agreement, bullying and harassment.

AC3.3
Explain the skills required for effective grievance and discipline-handling procedures
(approximately 200 words)

Use 3 sub-headings

• Research CIPD and ACAS guidance [remember to reference clearly]

• Explain a minimum of three skills that are required for effective grievance and discipline- handling procedures. E.g. (active listening, mediating, empathy; communication)

• Clearly explain how each of these skills could help GO QUEST with effective grievance and discipline handling.

AC3.4
Advise on the importance of handling grievances effectively.
(approximately 200 words)

Use 3 sub-headings

• Advise GO QUEST on the importance [the positives] of handling grievances effectively.

• Explain 2 possible impacts of grievances not being handled effectively.
You could consider: Unfairness, employer reputation, financial costs (industrial tribunals, compensation etc...

AC4.1
Explain the main provisions of collective employment law
(approximately 200 words)

Use 4 sub-headings

• Explain what collective employment law is.

• Explain a minimum of 3 key parts of UK collective employment law.

• You could consider: Statutory recognition procedures; Official and unofficial action; Disclosure of information for collective bargaining; Picketing; legal enforceability of collective agreements

AC4.2
Compare the types of employee bodies, union and non-union forms of employee representation. (approximately 250 words)

Please use 2 sub-headings OR a table format with sufficient narrative. Focus on the UK labour market.

• Define 1 type of union form of employee representation (e.g. trade union)

• Define 1 type of non-union form of employee representation (e.g. employee advocate; employee forums. Staff council etc.)

• Compare them - what are their similarities and differences?

AC4.3
Evaluate the purpose of collective bargaining and how it works
(approximately 200 words)

Use 3 sub headings

• Define the purpose of collective bargaining - what is it used for?

• Explain how it works. Provide 2 examples e.g. (minimum wage, basic benefits, working conditions etc.)

• Evaluate collective bargaining (explain the advantages and disadvantages) - how effective is it? What is the impact for the employees? The organisation? Is this the best approach?

Preparation for the Tasks:
• At the start of your assignment, you are encouraged to plan your assessment work with your Assessor and where appropriate agree milestones so that they can help you monitor your progress.
• Refer to the indicative content in the unit to guide and support your evidence.
• Pay attention to how your evidence is presented, remember you are working in the People Practice Team.
• Ensure that the evidence generated for this assessment remains your own work.

You will also benefit from:
• Completing and acting on formative feedback from your Assessor.
• Reflecting on your own experiences of learning opportunities and continuous professional development.
• Reading the CIPD Insight, Fact Sheets and related online material on these topics as well as key research authors on the subject.

Scenario
GoQuest is a privately owned company that has accepted union recognition for its employees. It produces high-end adventure clothing and hasseena consistentincrease in growth during and post the pandemic.You have recently taken on the role of Employee Relations manager at GoQuest and at your first meeting with the Directorsthey explain that they are keen to draw on your knowledge and experience of working in the public sector within employment relationship managementas this is an area that the company managementseeks to improve. They haveasked you to produce a report for senior and line managers that provides them with knowledge and understanding of approaches to employee voiceand how these can be best used to foster engagement, performance and better working lives. Additionally, they needto understandthe different forms of workplace conflict behaviour;disputes and sanctions; the role and main provisions of collective employment law; third party interventions;and managing discipline and grievanceresolution.
To complete both sections of the report, you should provide written responses to each of the 16points below, making appropriate use of academic theory, case and statutory law, research and good practical examples to substantiate your response and illustrate key points.

Section One
The first section of the report should provide knowledge and awarenessto GoQuest's management on approaches that might be adopted to facilitate direct and indirect forms of employee decision-making processes and support engagement, performance and better working lives.
To assist the reader, please make use of headings and assessment criteria references to signpost the assessment criteria being addressed.
The points that need to be addressed in the first section are:

• Review emerging developments to inform approaches to employee voice and engagement. (AC 1.1)

• Differentiate between employee involvement and employee participation and how it builds relationships. (AC 1.2)

• Assess three employee voice tools and twoapproaches that might be used to drive employee engagement. (AC 1.3)

• Critically evaluate the interrelationships between employee voice and organisational performance. (AC 1.4)

• Explain the concept of better working lives and how this can be designed. (AC 1.5)

Section One - Questions

Review emerging developments to inform approaches to employee voice and engagement. (AC 1.1)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 300 words

Differentiate between employee involvement and employee participation and how it builds relationships. (AC 1.2)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 300 words

Assess a range of employee voice tools and approaches to drive employee engagement.
(3 tools and 2 approaches) (AC 1.3)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 400words

Critically evaluate the interrelationships between employee voice and organisational performance.(AC 1.4)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 250words

Explain the concept of better working lives and how this can be designed. (AC 1.5)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 250words

Section Two

This section of the report needs to provide understanding to Go Quest's managers on the different forms of conflict behaviour and dispute resolution and how to manage performance, disciplinary and grievance matters lawfully. You need to:

• Distinguish between organisational conflict and misbehaviour, and between informal and formal conflict. (AC 2.1)

• Distinguish between official and unofficial employee action. (AC2.2)

• Assess emerging trends in the types of conflict and industrial sanctions. (AC 2.3)

• Distinguish between third-party conciliation, mediation and arbitration. (AC 2.4)

• Explain the principles of legislation relating to unfair dismissal in respect of capability and misconduct issues. (AC 3.1)

• Analyse key causes of employee grievances. (AC 3.2)

• Explain the skills required for effective grievance and discipline-handling procedures. (AC 3.3)

• Advise on the importance of handling grievances effectively. (AC 3.4)

• Explain the main provisions of collective employment law. (AC 4.1)

• Compare the types of employee bodies, union and non-union forms of employee representation. (AC 4.2)

• Evaluate the purpose of collective bargaining and how it works. (AC 4.3)

Section Two - Questions

Distinguish between organisational conflict and misbehaviour, and between informal and formal conflict. (AC 2.1)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 250words

Distinguish between official and unofficial employee action. (AC 2.2)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 200words

Assess emerging trends in the types of conflict and industrial sanctions. (AC 2.3)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 200words

Distinguish between third-party conciliation, mediation and arbitration. (AC 2.4)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 250words

Explain the principles of legislation relating to unfair dismissal in respect of capability and misconduct issues. (AC 3.1)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 225words

Analyse key causes of employee grievances. (AC 3.2)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 225words

Explain the skills required for effective grievance and discipline-handling procedures. (AC 3.3)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 200words

Advise on the importance of handling grievances effectively. (AC 3.4)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 200words

Explain the main provisions of collective employment law. (AC 4.1)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 200 words

Compare the types of employee bodies, union and non-union forms of employee representation. (AC 4.2)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 250words

Evaluate the purpose of collective bargaining and how it works. (AC 4.3)
Short references should be added into your narrative below. Please remember to only list your long references in the reference box provided at the end of this section.Word count: Approximately 200words