Coursework Assignment in BA421: Human Resource Management

Submitted to: Sir Edwin Pike Submitted by: Matt C. Simon

Table of Contents: 1. Page title 2. Table of Contents 3. Question No.1: (a) Objectives of trade union. 4. Question no.1: (b) Factors what induces workers to join union. 5. Question No.2: (a) Why managers should exercise social and business ethics? 6. Question No.2: (b) Examples of unethical business practices.

Question No.1: (a) Objectives of trade union. 1. Wages and salaries: the subject which drew the attention of trade union iswages and salaries. Of course, this item may be related to policy matters.However, difference may arise in the process of their implementation. In thecase of unrecognized sector the trade union plays a crucial role in bargaining the pay role. 2. Discipline: Trade union not only conduct negotiation in respect of the items with which there working conditions may be improved but also protect the worker from the clutches of management whenever worker become the victims of managements unilateral acts and disciplinary policies. This victimization may take the form of penal transfer, suspensions, dismissals, etc. In such a situation the separated worker who is lift in a helpless condition may approach the trade union. Ultimately the problem may be brought to the notice of management by the trade union and it explains about the injustice meted out to an individual worker and flights the management for justice. Thus, the victimized worker may be protected by the trade union. 3. Working conditions: Trade union with a view to safeguard the health of worker s demand the management to provide all the basic facilities such as, lighting and ventilation, sanitation, rest rooms, safety equipments while discharging hazardous duties, drinking water, refreshment, minimum working hours, leave and rest, holiday with pay, job satisfaction, social security benefits and other welfare measure 4. Personnel policies: Trade union may fight against improper implementation of personnel policies in respect of recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, training, etc Question no.1: (b) Factors what induces workers to join union. Why do Employees Join Unions?

If you were an employee of any company, you would understand why it is always better to join a union for the purpose of better protection of your rights as a worker. If you are not, here is an example of how a union works. For instance you worked at a company with a boss who gives you a wage that is lower than the expected minimum wage, a union leader thus forms a union of people within the company who share the same sentiments and then at the same time, acts as the voice who delivers the complaint to the big boss. This is where the importance of a union takes place. Having a voice at work is important for any employee because it is through this that they are able to relate their concerns and exercise their rights as workers. This is one of the many advantages of having a union membership and it is also called a union advantage. . Union members all over the country actually represent a cross section of people ranging from women and men of all ages, races and multi-cultural groups. Some work 9-5 jobs, others work in hospitals and clinics, while others are auto-mechanics, some are construction site workers, pilots, cabin crews, and janitors you name it. Although their wage rates and incomes may vary, it is essential for all of these peopleto be union members because it is through this that they are able to gain more decent wages, benefits,good working conditions and have a say in their jobs. In a gist, when unions are formed, its sole purpose is to make better or improve their jobs and advocate each workers choice. If they win a case against a company protocol that they feel is violating their rights, the company would somehow resort to negotiating and compromising to meet their workers needs.

Question No.2: (a) Why managers should exercise social and business ethics? Respect
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A manager must have a respectful attitude toward those she oversees. A company may have a code of ethics asserting that persons from all backgrounds, races and nationalities receive equal consideration and attention. However, managers may not uniformly live out that code. One reason for this, according to "Ethics," is that emotions may typically be viewed as weak. The authors say unethical behavior and social irresponsibility may happen more readily in environments that champion rationality more than humanity. Code of Ethics

Company managers have the responsibility of creating, communicating and enforcing a company code of ethics, or code of conduct. Making employees aware of this code is an important step in establishing an ethical company, but the best way to inspire compliance is to lead by example. This responsibility in leadership applies especially to top managers, who often serve as role models for employees. According to the book "Management Fundamentals," if managers are not ethical, employees will not be ethical. Sometimes, though, in spite of high standards and leading examples, unethical behavior happens. In such cases, companies should make clear the consequences of such behavior, which could mean termination. Also, creating an environment in which employees feel free to blow the whistle on unjust behavior will help keep a company ethical and socially responsible. Responsibility to Stakeholders

Social responsibility is ethics in action. This responsibility means that managers must consider goals other than making profit, respecting the welfare of company employees, investors and community members -- often referred to as stakeholders. The effect the company has on the environment also factors into proper exercise of social responsibility. Socially responsible managers provide a safe working environment and safe products; obey applicable laws and cooperate with business partners; increase their value to customers by striving for technologically advanced services; and provide fair wages and benefits to workers. Question No.2: (b) Examples of unethical business practices.

It is a sad truth that the employees of just about every business, in every business, will occasionally encounter team members who are taking part in unethical behaviours. Such unethical behaviours include a wide variety of different activities. Among the most common unethical business behaviours of employees are making long-distance calls on business lines, duplicating software for use at home, falsifying the number of hours worked, or much more serious and illegal practices, such as embezzling money from the business, or falsifying business records. Though there is sometimes a difference between behaviors that are unethical and activities that are actually illegal, it is up to the business itself to decide how it deals with unethical behavior - legal or not. Many employees find that discovering unethical behavior among co-workers actually tests their own values and ethical behaviors. After all, unethical behavior that is not illegal frequently falls in a grey area between right and wrong that make it difficult to decide what to do when it is encountered. Furthermore, different people have different views regarding what is ethical and what is unethical. For example, some people feel that it is alright to tell a little "white lie", or to make one long distance call on the company's nickel, as long as they can justify it in their mind. When employees discover other employees doing something that they know is wrong by the company's standards, their own sense of what is right and what is wrong instantly comes into question. That employee needs to consider how s/he feels about that particular activity, as well as informing about that activity, or turning a blind eye.