Managing People
PART 1
MONDAY 13 DECEMBER 2004
QUESTION PAPER
Time allowed
3 hours
This paper is divided into two sections
Section A
This ONE question is compulsory and MUST be
answered
Section B
FOUR questions ONLY to be answered
Do not open this paper until instructed by the supervisor
This question paper must not be removed from the examination
hall
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
P
Section A – This ONE question is compulsory and MUST be attempted
1 ‘Rockers’ is a small recording studio established four years ago which is owned and operated by a group of twelve
people. The group has been working together amicably and successfully for a considerable time.
Neville has been in charge since the beginning and his leadership is valued by all the team’s members and the support given to him by Olivia, the second in command. Outgoing and extrovert, she often elaborates on Neville’s instructions and deals on his behalf with group members’ queries, especially when he is away on business.
Much of the success of the group has been due to Peter, who is creative at problem solving, and Rosalind, who has an encyclopedic knowledge of sources of supply and information. Another group member, Quentin, is an expert on charts and records and Suki is invaluable at sorting out disagreements and keeping everyone cheerful. The remaining members of the group also fulfil roles which are acceptable to themselves and others.
Recently, Olivia resigned for family reasons. As the workload has been increasing, Neville took it upon himself to recruit four new people to the group. Neville now finds that various members of the original group complain to him about what they are expected to do and about other people’s failings. Peter and Rosalind have been particularly helpful to Neville, but have had several serious arguments between themselves and with others.
Required:
(a) Describe Tuckman’s stages of group development and explain the stage the group was at before and after Olivia’s departure. (15 marks)
(b) Until the changes, the group worked well together as a team with each member fulfilling a role as identified by Belbin.
(i) What role did Olivia play and what are its characteristics? (5 marks)
(ii) Name and describe the team roles fulfilled by Neville, Peter, Rosalind, Quentin and Suki. (10 marks)
(iii) What problems might arise as a consequence of Olivia’s departure and consequently the team role she played? (5 marks)
(c) Recommend how Neville should ensure that the group reverts to its former cohesiveness. (5 marks)
(40 marks)
Section B – FOUR questions ONLY to be attempted
2 All organisations develop a culture which influences the way an organisation’s employees behave.
Required:
(a) Define and describe what is meant by the term ‘culture’ in the organisational context. (3 marks)
(b) Describe Handy’s four cultural types. (12 marks)
(15 marks)
3 You have been asked to carry out a job analysis of the employees in the accounts department.
Required:
(a) Briefly explain what is meant by the term ‘job analysis’. (3 marks)
(b) Briefly explain the four stages involved in carrying out a job analysis. (4 marks)
(c) Identify and briefly explain the information you would expect to collect during the job analysis investigation.
(8 marks)
(15 marks)
4 Your employer has realised that a formal recruitment and selection process is required. You have been asked to advise.
Required:
Identify and explain the stages involved in recruitment and selection.
(15 marks)
5 There is often confusion between the meanings of ‘job enrichment’, ‘job enlargement’ and ‘job rotation’.
Required:
(a) Define and explain the term ‘job enrichment’. (5 marks)
(b) Define and explain the term ‘job enlargement’. (5 marks)
(c) Define and explain the term ‘job rotation’. (5 marks)
(15 marks)
6 Employee discipline is important in achieving organisational success.
Required:
(a) What is meant by the term ‘discipline’ in the organisational context? (3 marks)
(b) Describe in the correct order, the six steps involved in a formal disciplinary procedure. (12 marks)
(15 marks)
End of Question Paper
