Business Studies

Grade 12
Human Resource Function Notes

RECRUITMENT

Explain/Elaborate on the meaning of recruitment.

 Recruitment is the process used by business to identify vacancies in the

business and attract suitable candidates for it.
 It aims at finding candidates who have the necessary knowledge/ experience/
qualification to fill the vacancy.
 Businesses may choose to use an internal or external method of recruitment
depending on the nature/requirements of the vacancy.
 It is an on-going process as employees leave their jobs for other jobs/get
promoted /retire/as new technological skills are required.

Outline/Discuss/Explain the recruitment procedure.

 The human resource manager (HRM) should prepare the job description in order
to identify recruitment needs.
 HRM should indicate the job specification/description/key performance areas to
attract suitable candidates.
 Prepare a job analysis, which includes job specification and job description.
 A decision whether to recruit internally should be made to identify suitable
candidates from within the business.
 If internal recruitment is unsuccessful, external recruitment should be considered.
 If the external recruitment is done, the relevant recruitment source should be
selected, e.g. recruitment agencies, tertiary institutions, newspapers,
 The advertisement should be prepared with the relevant information, e.g. the
name of the company, contact details, contact person, etc.
 Place the advertisement in the appropriate media that will ensure that the best
candidates apply.
Explain the meaning of job analysis.

The term “job analysis” refers to the components of job description and job
specification as it relates to employees within an organisation.

Differentiate/Distinguish between job description and job specification as

COMPONENTS OF A JOB ANALYSIS.

JOB DESCRIPTION JOB SPECIFICATION

 Describes duties/responsibilities of  Specifies the minimum acceptable
a specific job/summary of the nature personal qualities/ skills/ qualifications
/type of the job. needed for the job.
 Written description of the job and its  Written description of specific
requirements qualifications/ skills/ experience
needed for the job.
 Describes key performance areas/  Describes key requirements of the
tasks for a specific job, e.g. job person who will fill the position, e.g.
title/working conditions/relationship formal qualifications/willingness to
of the job with other jobs in the travel/work unusual hours, etc.
business, etc.
 Types/methods of recruitment
Internal recruitment and external recruitment

Internal recruitment

 Refers to the use of internal sources to advertise vacancies inside the business.
The following SOURCES of internal recruitment can be used:

Sources of Internal recruitment

 Internal e-mails/Intranet/web sites to staff

 Word of mouth
 Business newsletter/circulars
 Internal/management referrals
 Notice board of the business
 Internal bulletins
 Recommendation of current employees
 Head hunting within the business/organisational database.

External recruitment

 Refers to the use of external sources to advertise vacancies outside the

business. The following SOURCES of external recruitment can be used:

Sources of External recruitment

 Recruitment agencies
 Bill boards
 Printed media, e.g. newspapers/flyers
 Electronic media, e.g. radio/TV
 Social media/Social networks/Internet/Business websites
 Recruitment agencies
 Walk-ins
 Head hunting
 Professional associations
 Networking
 Educational/Training institutions
 Posters/Bill boards just outside the business
Explain/Discuss/Analyse the impact (positives/advantages and/or
negatives/disadvantages) of the above stated methods of recruitment (internal
and external).

Impact of internal recruitment

Positives/Advantages

 Cheaper/Quicker to fill the post.

 Placement is easy, as management knows the employees' skills/personality/
experience/strengths.
 Provides opportunities for career paths within the business.
 The employee already has an understanding of how the business operates./
Induction/Training is not always necessary.
 Reduces the chances of losing employees, as future career prospects are
available.
 Detailed, reliable information can be obtained from the supervisors/
Employee records.
AND/OR
Negative/Disadvantages

 The promotion of an employee could cause resentment among other employees.

 The number of applicants from which to choose is limited to existing staff only.
 It is possible to promote certain employees who do not really have the required
skills for the new job.
 It may close the door to new ideas from outsiders.
 The business has to spend more money on training/developing existing
employees on the new position.
 Employees who are not promoted may feel demotivated.
Impact of external recruitment
Positives/Advantages

 New candidates bring new talents/ideas/experiences/skills into the business.

 There is a larger pool of candidates to choose from.
 There is a better chance of getting a suitable candidate with the required
skills/qualifications/competencies who do not need much training/ development
which reduce costs.

 It may help the business to meet affirmative action and BBBEE targets.
 Minimises unhappiness/conflict amongst current employees who may have
applied for the post.

AND/OR

Negatives/Disadvantages

 External sources can be expensive, e.g. recruitment agencies'

fees/advertisements in newspapers/magazines.
 The selection process may not be effective and an incompetent candidate may
be chosen.
 Information on CV's/referees may not be reliable.
 Recruitment process takes longer/is more expensive as background checks
must be conducted.

 New candidates generally take longer to adjust to a new work environment.

 In-service training may be needed which decreases productivity during the time
of training.
 Many unsuitable applications can slow down the selection process.
 SELECTION

Outline/Discuss/Explain the selection procedure.

Option 1

 Determine fair assessment criteria on which selection will be based.

 Applicants must submit the application forms/curriculum vitae and certified
copies of personal documents/IDs/proof of qualifications, etc.
 Sort the received documents/CVs according to the assessment/selection criteria.
 Screen/Determine which applications meet the minimum job requirements and
separate these from the rest.
 Preliminary interviews are conducted if many suitable applications were
received.
 Reference checks should be made to verify the contents of CV's, e.g. contact
previous employers to check work experience.
 Compile a shortlist of potential candidate's identified.
 Shortlisted candidates may be subjected to various types of selection tests e.g.
skills tests, etc.

 Invite shortlisted candidates for an interview.

 A written offer is made to the selected candidate.
 Inform unsuccessful applicants about the outcome of their application./Some
adverts indicate the deadline for informing only successful candidates.

Option 2

 Receive documentation, e.g. application forms and sort it according to the

criteria of the job.
 Evaluate CVs and create a shortlist/Screen the applicants.
 Check information in the CVs and contact references.
 Conduct preliminary sifting interviews to identify applicants who are not suitable
for the job, although they meet all requirements.

 Assess/Test candidates who have applied for senior positions/to ensure the best
candidate is chosen.

 Conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates.

 Offer employment in writing to the selected candidate(s).
Explain the meaning of screening as part of the selection procedure.

 Check application documents against the requirements of the job.

 Candidates who meet the minimum requirements are separated from others.
 Do background/credit/reference checks of applicants who qualify for the job.
 Prepare a shortlist of suitable candidates after screening.

Discuss/Explain the purpose of an interview.

 Obtains information about the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate.

 Helps the employer in choosing/making an informed decision about the most
suitable candidate.

 Matches information provided by the applicant to the job requirements.

 Creates an opportunity where information about the business and applicant can
be exchanged.

 To determine a candidate's suitability for the job.

 Evaluate the skills and personal characteristics of the applicant

Outline/Explain/Discuss the role of the interviewer before the interview.

 The interviewer should develop a core set of questions based on the

skills/knowledge/ ability required.
 Check/read the application/verify the CV of every candidate for anything that may
need to be explained.
 Book and prepare the venue for the interview.
 Set the interview date and ensure that all interviews take place on the same date,
if possible.
 Inform all shortlisted candidates about the date and place of the interview.
 Plan the programme for the interview and determine the time that should be
allocated to each candidate.
 Notify all panel members conducting the interview about the date and place of the
interview.
Outline/Explain/Discuss the role of the interviewee and interviewer during the
interview.

Role of the INTERVIEWER during the Role of the INTERVIEWEE during the
interview interview
 Allocate the same amount of time to  Greet the interviewer by name with
each candidate. a solid handshake and a friendly
 Introduce members of the smile.
interviewing panel to each  Listen carefully to the questions
candidate/interviewee. before responding.
 Make the interviewee feel at ease.  Make eye contact and have good
 Explain the purpose of the interview posture/body language.
to the panel and the interviewee.  Show confidence and have a
 Record interviewees' responses for positive attitude/be assertive.
future reference.  Be inquisitive and show interest in
 Do not misinform/mislead the the business.
interviewee.  Ask clarity seeking questions.
 Avoid discriminatory/controversial  Show respect and treat the interview
types of questions, e.g. asking a with its due importance.
female  Be honest about mistakes and
 candidate about family explain how you dealt with it.
planning/having children.  Know your strengths and
 Provide an opportunity for the weaknesses and be prepared to
interviewee to ask questions. discuss it
 Close the interview by thanking the
interviewee for attending the interview
Define/Elaborate on the meaning of an employment contract.

 Employment contract is an agreement between the employer and the

employee and is legally binding.

Name/Outline/State the details/aspects/contents of an employment contract.

 Personal details of the employee.

 Details of the business/employer e.g. name/address, etc.
 Job title/Position
 Job description e.g. duties/ working conditions
 Job specification e.g. formal qualifications/willingness to travel.
 Date of employment/commencement of employment.
 Place where employee will spend most of his/her working time.
 Hours of work, e.g. normal time/overtime.
 Remuneration, e.g. weekly or monthly pay.
 Benefits/Fringe benefits/Perks/Allowances.
 Leave, e.g. sick/maternity/annual/adoption leave.
 Employee deductions (compulsory/non-compulsory).
 Period of contract/Details of termination.
 Probation period.
 Signatures of both the employer and employee.
 List of documents that form part of the contract, e.g. appointment letter/code of
conduct/ethics.
 Disciplinary policy, e.g. rules and disciplinary procedure for unacceptable
behaviour
Outline/Explain/Discuss the legal requirements legalities of the employment
contract.

 Employment contract is an agreement between the employer and the employee

and is legally binding.
 Employer and employee must agree to any changes to the contract.
 Aspects of the employment contract can be renegotiated during the course of
employment.

 No party may unilaterally change aspects of the employment contract.

 The employer and employee must both sign the contract.
 The employment contract should include a code of conduct and code of ethics.
 The employer must explain the terms and conditions of the employment contract
to the employee.
 It may not contain any requirements that are in conflict with the BCEA.
 Conditions of employment/duties/responsibilities of the employees must be
stipulated clearly.

 The remuneration package/including benefits must be clearly indicated.

 All business policies, procedures and disciplinary codes/rules can form part of
the employment contract.
 The employer must allow the employee to thoroughly read through the
contract before it is signed.

Outline/Explain/Discuss the reasons for the termination of an employment

contract.

 The employer may dismiss an employee for valid reason(s), e.g. unsatisfactory
job performance, misconduct, etc.
 Employer) may no longer have work for redundant employees/cannot fulfil the
contract/is restructuring.
 The employer may retrench some employees due to insolvency/may not be able
to pay the employees.
 Employees decided to leave and resign voluntarily.
 An employee may have reached the pre-determined age for retirement.
 INDUCTION

Define/Elaborate on the meaning of induction.

 New employees should be familiarised with their new physical work

environment/organisational culture/products and services.
 Employees should be informed about the processes/procedures of the
business.
 They should have a basic knowledge of what is expected in the job./Understand
his role and responsibilities in his new job.
 Ensure that employees are well conversant with the business safety regulations
and rules.

Outline/Explain/Discuss the purpose of induction.

 Introduce new employees to management/colleagues to establish relationships

with fellow colleagues at different levels.
 Make new employees feel welcome by introducing them to their physical work
space.
 Give new employees a tour/information about the layout of the building/office.
 Familiarise new employees with the organisational structure/their supervisors
 Allow new employees the opportunity to ask questions that will put them at
ease/reduce insecurity/anxiety/fear.
 Improve skills through in-service training.
 Create opportunities for new employees to experience/explore different
departments.
 Explain safety regulations and rules, so that new employees will understand their
role/responsibilities in this regard.
 Communicate information about the products/services offered by the business
 Ensure that employees understand their roles/responsibilities so that they will be
more efficient/productive.
 Communicate business policies regarding ethical/professional
conduct/procedures/employment contract/conditions of employment, etc.
State/Outline aspects that must be included in the induction programme.

 Introduction to key people and immediate colleagues.

 Safety regulations and rules.
 Overview of the business.
 Tour of the premises.
 Discussion of the employment contract and conditions of service.
 Discussion of employee benefits
 Information about the business products/services.
 Meeting with senior management who will explain the company's vision/value
descriptions/daily tasks.
 Conditions of employment, e.g. working hours/leave application
process/disciplinary procedures, etc.
 Administration details on systems/processes/logistics.
 Discussion of personnel policies, e.g. making private phone calls/using the
Internet, etc.
 Corporate social responsibility programmes.
Discuss/Explain the advantages/benefits of induction for businesses. Identify
the benefit of induction from given scenarios.

 Allows new employees to settle in quickly and work effectively.

 Ensures that new employees understands rules and restrictions in the
business.

 New employees may establish relationships with fellow employees at different

levels

 Make new employees feel at ease in the workplace, which reduces anxiety/
insecurity/fear.
 The results obtained during the induction process provide a base for focussed
training.

 Increases quality of performance/productivity.

 Minimises the need for on-going training and development.
 Employees will be familiar with organisational structures, e.g. who are their
supervisors/low level managers.

 Opportunities are created for new employees to experience/explore different

departments

 New employees will understand their role/responsibilities concerning safety

regulations and rules.

 New employees will know the layout of the building/factory/offices/where

everything is, which saves production time.

 Learn more about the business so that new employees understand their roles/
responsibilities in order to be more efficient.

 Company policies are communicated, regarding conduct and procedures/safety

and security/employment contract/conditions of employment/working
hours/leave.

 Realistic expectations for new employees as well as the business are created.
 New employees may feel part of the team resulting in positive morale and
motivation.

 Employees may have a better understanding of business policies regarding

ethical/professional conduct/procedures/CSR, etc.
 PLACEMENT

Elaborate on the meaning of placement.

 Selected candidates are placed where they will function optimally and add value
to the business.
 A specific job is assigned to the selected candidate.
 The qualifications/skills/personality of the selected candidate is matched√ with
the requirements of the job.

Outline/Explain/Discuss the placement procedure.

 Employer should outline specific responsibilities/expectations of the employee

new position.
 The employer should determine the relationship/similarities between the
expectations of the position and the competencies of the employee.
 Determine the employee’s strengths/weaknesses/skills/ interests by subjecting
him to various psychometric tests.

Explain/Discuss/the importance of training/skills development in HR.

 The employee who receives the necessary training is more able to perform in
their job.
 The investment in training that a company makes shows employees that they
are valued.
 An effective training program allows employees to strengthen their skills.
 Productivity usually increases when the human resources function implements
training courses.
 On-going training and up-skilling of the workforce, encourages creativity.
 SALARY DETERMINATION METHODS

Explain/Differentiate/Distinguish between piece meal and time-related salary

determination methods.

PIECEMEAL TIME-RELATED
 Workers are paid according to the  Workers are paid for the amount of
number of items/ units produced time they spend at work/on a task.
/action performed.
 Workers are not remunerated for the  Workers with the same
number of hours worked, regardless experience/qualifications are paid
of how long it takes them to make the on salary scales regardless of the
items amount of work done.
 Mostly used in factories particularly  Many private and public sector
in the textile/technology industries. businesses use this method

Explain the link between salary determination and the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act.

 The BCEA sets out conditions that ensure fair labour and human resources
practices.
 According to the BCEA, businesses may use different remuneration methods to
pay their employees.
 Payment of salaries should be based on whether the employee is permanent or
employed on a fixed contract.
 Businesses are supposed to deduct income tax (PAYE) from the employees'
taxable salaries.
 BCEA outlines legalities, such as the employment contract, which may affect
salary determination.
 FRINGE BENEFITS

Name/State/Give examples of employee benefits, e.g.:

 Medical Aid Fund/Health Insurance Fund

 Pension Fund
 Provident Fund
 Funeral benefits
 Car/Travel/Housing/Cell phone/Clothing allowance
 Performance based incentives
 Issuing of bonus shares
 Staff discount/Free or low cost meal/Canteen facilities

Discuss/Evaluate the impact (positives/ advantages and/or

negatives/disadvantages) of fringe benefits on businesses.

Positives/Advantages

 Attractive fringe benefit packages may result in higher employee

retention/reduces employee turnover.
 Attracts qualified/skilled/experienced employees who may positively contribute
towards the business goals/objectives.
 Improves productivity\ resulting in higher profitability.
 It increases employee satisfaction/loyalty as they may be willing to go the extra
mile.
 Businesses save money as benefits are tax deductible.
 Fringe benefits can be used as leverage for salary negotiations.

AND/OR

Negatives/Disadvantages

 Businesses who cannot offer fringe benefits fail to attract skilled workers.
 Businesses who offer employees different benefit plans may create resentment to
those who receive less benefit resulting in lower productivity.
 It can create conflict/lead to corruption if allocated unfairly.
 Fringe benefits are additional costs that may result in cash flow problems.
 Decreases business profits, as incentive/package/remuneration costs are higher.
 Administrative costs increase as benefits need to be correctly recorded for tax
purposes
 Workers only stay with the business for fringe benefits, and may not be
committed/loyal to the tasks/business
 Businesses have to pay advisors/attorneys to help them create benefit plans that
comply with legislation.
 Errors in benefit plans may lead to costly lawsuits/regulatory fines.
Explain UIF as a benefit required by law.

 The fund offers short-term financial assistance to workers when they become
unemployed or are unable to work due to illness, maternity or adoption leave.
 The fund also assists the dependants of a contributing worker who has died.
 Employers must pay unemployment insurance contributions of 2% of the value
of each worker’s salary per month.
 The employer and the worker each contribute 1%.
 Contributions are paid to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) or the South
African Revenue Services (SARS).
 LEGISLATION

Discuss the implications of the LRA/BCEA/EEA/SDA on the human resources

function.

Labour Relations Act:

 Workers cannot be easily dismissed as bargaining council/Commission

for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) processes need to be
followed.
 Provides a framework for bilateral meetings where employees, trade unions and
employers discuss matters relating to employment.
 The human resource manager should allow workers to form workplace
forums/trade unions to promote the interests of all employees.
 Promotes orderly negotiations and employee participation in decision making in
the workplace.
 Protects the rights of employees/employers as outlined in the Constitution.
 Advances economic development/social justice/labour peace.
 Promotes resolution of labour disputes.
 Clarify the transfer of contracts of employment/If a business is transferred to
another owner then the employee contracts are also transferred.
 Provides for unresolved disputes to be referred to Labour Courts/Labour Appeal
Courts.

Employment Equity Act:

 The human resources manager must promote/provide equal opportunities in the

workplace.
 Ensure that affirmative action promotes diversity in the workplace.
 Compile employment equity plans that indicate how they will implement
affirmative action.

 Assign a manager to ensure that the employment equity plan will be

implemented/regularly monitored.
 Display a summary of the Act where employees can clearly see it/have access to
it.
 Report to the Department of Labour on the progress in the implementation of the
equity plan.
 Conduct medical/psychological tests fairly to employees/when deemed
necessary.
 Equal pay for work of equal value.
 Ensure that the workplace represents the demographics of the country at all
levels.

 Define the appointment process clearly to ensure all parties are well informed.
 Restructure/Analyse current employment policies/practices/procedures to
accommodate designated groups.
 Retrain/Develop/Train designated groups through skills development
programmes.

Skills Development Act (SDA):

 The human resources manager should interpret the aims and requirements of the
SDA and adapt workplace skills training programmes accordingly.
 Identify the training needs of the employees and provide them with training
opportunities so that they will perform their tasks efficiently.
 Use the National Qualification Framework/NQF to assess the skills levels of
employees.
 Interpret/Implement the aims/requirements of the framework for the National
Skills Development Strategy.
 Assist managers in identifying skills/training needs√ to help them to introduce
learnerships.
 Contribute 1% of their salary bill to the Skills Development Levy/SDL.
 Ensure training in the workplace is formalised /structured.
 Appoint a full/part time consultant as a Skills Development Facilitator.

Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA):

 Workers should only work 9 hours per day in a 5 day work week./8 hours per day
in a 6 day work week./Overtime should not exceed 10 hours per week.
 They must have a break of 60 minutes after five hours of work
 Workers can take up to six weeks paid sick leave during a 36-month cycle
 Businesses should not employ children under the age of 16.
 Workers must receive double if they work during public holidays/Sunday