Chapter Five

Concept and Brief Description: This chapter was very informative. Going into business, I am realizing that I have all these pre-conceived notions that I never knew I had. It is mainly about strategic planning and knowing about all the little things so that informed and wise choices can be made. For example: I always assumed that companies hated giving over-time, when in the book it talks about the cost of paying current employees over-time is actually cheaper than hiring and training new employees. Downsizing has always seemed harsh for the laid off employees, but the effects that it has on the business later down the line is far worse. Interesting stuff.

Emotional Hook: In one survey recorded in the book 80 percent of people laid-off end up being replaced because the company realizes that that person was actually irreplaceable.

Key Points: 1. Methods for figuring supply and demand to determine the amount of workers needed-interesting process and wise 2. Downsizing- hurts worse than it helps 3. Referrals- By far the best way to find employees. A good recommendation from someone you know to be a good, hard worker means so much more than a piece of paper 4. Recruiter characteristics- the book says that not many recruiters can make a big difference because people already have their minds made up about the job. But at the same time, they can work wonders if they wish to.

Facilitative Question: How can we balance affirmative action with hiring solely for the qualifications they have?

Upon Reflection

Class Weds 27th: Today we talked about sexual harassment and watched "The Office" to get an idea of what not to do in business. We learned that our conversation should remain professional and courteous even when with buddies at the office because of those around who may find certain things offensive. One thing that was brought up that I know I need to do better on is using words like 'police officer' instead of policeman and 'assistant' instead of secretary; leaving out anything that could be taken offensively.

Chapter Four

Concept and Brief description: This chapter covered many things but had an over all feel of "preparation". When we are beginning a job, we pause to reflect on what is provided, what we need, and then what we need to get or create to have everything. As a HRM some of the most important aspects of the job deal with making others successful and happy in their job. They are aware of the physical environment in the work place and make it more accomidating. They are aware of the duties of each job and the skills needed. They are aware of the things required in a job in comparison to the efforts being made by the employee. And so much more

Emotional Hook: The HRM seems to be the glue in a business; taking care of everything behind the scenes and allowing others to take credit for the work getting done.

Key Points: 1. Job descriptions- I don't remember ever being given one in a new job. I wish that I would have; it would have helped me to start out more efficient rather than fumbling over what I am to be doing. 2. HR is often responsible for the analyzing, designing, and recruiting of each job. There are so many duties in the HR position and such a huge variety in what one could do in this job. 3. Flexible work schedules- I think that the design of these methods are brilliant and make employee retention so much easier.

Facilitative Question: Is it not fascinating to see how much goes into running a business and making it successful?

Upon Refletion

Class Mon 25th: Today was very interesting. We went into greater detail about the Acts that are in place to protect people, businesses, and both of those from each other. It is interesting to me how much we rely on HR and how much they have to learn and deal with. In hiring and firing alone, an HRM has to be aware of all the acts and follow them to the tee. There are racial issues, gender issues, age issues, and disability issues, etc; when hiring someone, each of these issues require careful and clean action. When firing someone, accurate and very detailed records must be shown to the employee, and a satisfactory explanation of your reason for firing them must be given. Even issues that we don't think about on a regular basis must be on the HRM's mind constantly. For example, women that are pregnant, sexual preference, religion, age, etc.

Upon Refletion

Class Weds 20th: The things that stood out to me today were these: the importance of an eduction to your career now days and that we have big shoes to fill going into the work force at this time. I have always felt that an education was important, but understanding a little clearer now I realize that it is pretty much mandatory if you want security. Climbing up with in a job is a whole lot less common than it used to be so we need to begin with as much skill as possible to make it. Also, with the baby boom generation about to retire, we need to educate quickly and graduate with quality understanding and experience so that our country doesn't suffer any more than it already has.

Thinking Ethically or Chapter Three

Equal employment opportunities and safety in the work place: While reading through chapter three, my head whirled with the efforts of trying to understand all of the legal issues that go into the work-force. In trying to make every work place ethical and equal our government has constructed many bills, acts, laws, and clauses, etc. We have become a picky and fussy people and tend to complain about things that from the outside don't seem to matter much, but changing the way that I see these issues, I begin to understand how important it is for a business to have these things as both protection for themselves and their employees.
Hook: Where can a person go to find: help in learning their job duties, answers to questions or problems, justice when mis-treated, and validation for their hard work? HR...apparently.
Key points: With all of this information and all these important things, I feel that the most important things to take from chapter three are: A knowledge of the legalities mentioned, an understanding of our rights as human beings, and a great tolerance for all.
Question: How on Earth can we learn all of these issues and remember them?