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Nursing staff claim wages situation terminal Newton Morning Express - 20 October 2006 Nursing staff at Newton Hospital are upset that their pay and conditions of employment have fallen considerably behind their colleagues at other hospitals and also the international benchmark - VCE - SSCE Business Management - Question 4 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 4
Nursing staff claim wages situation terminal Newton Morning Express - 20 October 2006 Nursing staff at Newton Hospital are upset that their pay and conditions of em... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Nursing staff claim wages situation terminal Newton Morning Express - 20 October 2006 Nursing staff at Newton Hospital are upset that their pay and conditions of employment have fallen considerably behind their colleagues at other hospitals and also the international benchmark - VCE - SSCE Business Management - Question 4 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Compare and contrast the decentralised and centralised systems of workplace relations.
Answer
In a decentralised system, workplace relations are characterised by negotiations between individual employees or their representatives and employers, with conditions tailored to specific workplaces. This allows flexibility but can lead to disparities among employees. In contrast, a centralised system governs workplace relations through broad agreements made at a national or industry level, creating uniformity and fairness across similar sectors. However, it may lack responsiveness to unique workplace needs. In the case of Newton Hospital, the nurses' situation reflects characteristics of both systems as they seek to secure terms through negotiation while also adhering to existing awards.
Step 2
Explain and apply a problem-solving process that could be used at Newton Hospital to resolve the conflict between the nurses and management.
Answer
A structured problem-solving process can be employed, starting with identifying the problem clearly. The concern is the inadequate pay and unhealthy working conditions. Next, gathering all relevant information is crucial—this may include employee concerns, management’s stance, and industry benchmarks. Following this, alternative solutions should be explored, such as possible amendments to pay or work conditions. Once alternatives are considered, the best solution, which may involve revisiting the enterprise agreement, should be selected. Finally, implementing the agreed-upon solution and monitoring is essential to assess its effectiveness.
Step 3
Identify and explain an appropriate management style that could be used in implementing enterprise bargaining within this workplace.
Answer
The participative management style is most suitable for Newton Hospital. This approach involves employees actively in the decision-making process, encouraging collaboration and transparency. By involving nurses in discussions about their pay and working conditions, management can foster a sense of ownership and accountability among staff. This alignment can strengthen mutual respect and trust, promoting a healthier workplace culture and increasing the likelihood of successfully implementing enterprise bargaining.
Step 4
Select and discuss two appropriate key performance indicators to measure the success of enterprise bargaining.
Answer
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Employee Satisfaction Score: This KPI measures staff morale and contentment through surveys assessing their perception of pay and working conditions. Increased satisfaction indicates successful enterprise bargaining outcomes.
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Staff Turnover Rate: This indicator tracks the number of staff leaving the organization, signaling the health of workplace relations. A decreasing turnover rate after implementing the new agreements would point to improved employee engagement and retention, highlighting the effectiveness of the bargaining process.