4.1 State FOUR causes of conflict in the workplace - NSC Business Studies - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1

To address the identified diversity issues, Elsabe Printers could implement the following:

1. Gender Imbalance:

   • Equal Opportunity Policies: Establish recruitment policies aimed at promoting gender equality in hiring practices. This includes actively seeking female candidates for roles typically dominated by males.
   • Diversity Training: Implement training programs focused on gender sensitivity and inclusivity to foster understanding and cooperation among staff.

2. Language Barrier:

   • Language Support Programs: Provide language courses or support for employees who do not speak English fluently to help them improve their communication skills.
   • Bilingual Communication: Encourage the use of bilingual or translation resources within the workplace to accommodate employees with different language backgrounds.

Businesses can promote cultural rights by:

1. Acknowledging Diversity: Recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of employees through awareness programs and celebrations of various cultural events.
2. Cultural Sensitivity Training: Providing training to employees to promote understanding and tolerance for different cultures, thereby fostering a harmonious workplace.
3. Inclusive Practices: Implementing policies that ensure equal opportunities for individuals from all cultural backgrounds, including fair treatment in hiring and promotion processes.

Health and safety representatives play a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety by:

1. Monitoring Compliance: They ensure that health and safety regulations are followed and that the workplace is free from hazards.
2. Employee Training: Providing necessary health and safety training to employees to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities.
3. Reporting Issues: Acting as a liaison between employees and management, they report health and safety concerns to ensure timely attention and resolution.

MCC contributes to employee well-being by:

1. Subsidised Housing: Providing subsidised housing helps alleviate financial stress and gives employees a sense of security.
2. Health Promotion Activities: Encouraging participation in stress-reduction activities promotes physical and mental well-being.

MCC can enhance employee well-being by:

1. Flexible Working Hours: Implementing flexible hours allows employees to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.
2. Employee Assistance Programs: Establishing programs that provide support for personal or work-related issues, such as counseling services, can help employees manage stress effectively.
3. Wellness Programs: Offering initiatives focused on physical health, such as gym memberships or wellness challenges, encourages employees to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

1. 4.6.1 Team members question each other’s ideas and opinions.

   • This is indicative of the Storming stage, where conflicts and differing opinions occur as team dynamics are tested.

2. 4.6.2 The team has direct interaction without the leader.

   • This represents the Performing stage, where teams become self-sufficient in executing tasks and taking decisions collectively.

3. 4.6.3 Team members are comfortable and learn about each other.

   • This reflects the Forming stage, where team members begin to establish rapport and understand each other.

4. 4.6.4 The team is formed.

   • This is the initial Forming stage where team formation occurs and roles are defined.

Corporate Social Investment can have several negative impacts, including:

1. Dependency Issues: Communities may become reliant on corporate donations and initiatives, hindering their self-sufficiency and growth.
2. Profit-Driven Motives: Sometimes, businesses engage in CSI for image enhancement rather than genuine community support, leading to mistrust.
3. Misallocation of Resources: Companies may invest in projects that do not align with the actual needs of the community, creating further challenges.