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3.4 Human resources

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What makes employees work hard, and why does it matter?

The importance of a motivated workforce, financial methods of motivation (pay, bonuses, commission and fringe benefits) and non-financial methods (job rotation, enrichment, autonomy and praise), and the link between motivation and productivity.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Business 3.4.4, covering the importance of motivation, financial methods such as pay and bonuses, non-financial methods such as job enrichment, and the link to productivity.
7 min answer →

How do businesses organise who reports to whom?

The purpose of organisational structures, the difference between tall and flat structures, key terms (chain of command, span of control, delegation and centralisation), and the impact of structure on communication and motivation.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Business 3.4.1, covering tall and flat structures, chain of command, span of control, delegation and centralisation, and their effect on communication and motivation.
7 min answer →

How does a business find and choose the right people to employ?

The difference between internal and external recruitment, the main stages of recruitment and selection, the documents used (job description and person specification), and the advantages and disadvantages of each recruitment method.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Business 3.4.2, covering internal and external recruitment, the stages of recruitment and selection, job descriptions and person specifications, and the pros and cons of each method.
7 min answer →

Why do businesses train staff, and what does it cost them?

The purpose of training, the difference between induction, on-the-job and off-the-job training, the benefits and drawbacks of training to the business and the employee, and the link between development and motivation.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Business 3.4.3, covering the purpose of training, induction, on-the-job and off-the-job training, the benefits and drawbacks of training, and the link to motivation.
6 min answer →