Study Notes: People Management

HRM - Matrix Structures

The matrix structure was first used in the USA and has become more popular within the UK. This type of structure combines the traditional departments seen in functional structures with project teams.

For example, a project or task team established to develop a new product might include engineers and design specialists as well as those with marketing, financial, personnel and production skills. These teams can be temporary or permanent depending on the tasks they are asked to complete. Each team member can end up with two line managers - their normal departmental manager as well as the manager of the project.

Matrix structures have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

• Can help to break down traditional department barriers, improving communication across the entire organisation.
• Can allow individuals to use particular skills within a variety of contexts.
• Avoid the need for several departments to meet regularly, so reducing costs and improving coordination.

Disadvantages

• Members of project teams may have divided loyalties as they report to two line managers. Equally, this scenario can put project team members under a heavy pressure of work.
• There may not be a clear line of accountability for project teams given the complex nature of matrix structures.

HRM Strategy

HRM introduction  HRM objectives  HRM influences  Hard & Soft HRM  

Organisational Structure

Org charts  Delayering  Span of control  Centralisation & decentralisation  Matrix structures  

Motivation at work

What is motivation?   Theory - Maslow  Theory - Herzberg  Theory - Taylor  Theory - McGregor  

Financial motivation  Pay Package  Time rate  Piece rate  Commission  Performance pay  

Share options  Job rotation  Job enlargement  Delegation & empowerment  

Recruitment & Training

Recruitment intro  Internal / external  Job descriptions  Interviews  Job analysis  

Job advertising  Person specification  Training - intro  Induction training  On-the-job training  Off-the-job training  

Workforce planning

Workforce planning  Flexible working  Benefits & issues  Labour supply  Workforce roles & workload  

Annual hours  Job sharing  Temporary staff  Teleworking   Flexible hours  

Communication

Overview  Barriers  Benefits  Employee Representation