← Business syllabus

EnglandBusiness

3. People

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do businesses communicate, and what happens when communication breaks down?

Communication in business: the importance of effective communication, methods of communication, the impact of digital communication and technology, and the causes and consequences of communication barriers.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Business J204 topic 3.3, covering why communication matters, methods of communication, the impact of digital technology, and the causes and effects of communication barriers.
9 min answer →

How do businesses keep staff motivated and stop them leaving?

Motivation and retention: the importance of motivation, financial methods (wages, salaries, bonuses, commission, fringe benefits), non-financial methods (job rotation, enrichment, autonomy, praise), and how motivation supports staff retention.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Business J204 topic 3.5, covering why motivation matters, financial and non-financial methods of motivation, and how motivation supports staff retention.
10 min answer →

How are businesses organised, and what new ways of working exist?

Organisational structures and different ways of working: tall and flat structures, span of control and chain of command, centralised and decentralised structures, and ways of working including full-time, part-time, flexible, remote and the gig economy.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Business J204 topic 3.2, covering tall and flat structures, span of control and chain of command, centralisation, and modern ways of working such as flexible, remote and gig working.
10 min answer →

How do businesses find and choose the right people to employ?

Recruitment and selection: internal and external recruitment, the recruitment process and documents, methods of selection, and the costs and benefits of different approaches to hiring.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Business J204 topic 3.4, covering internal and external recruitment, the recruitment process and documents, methods of selection, and the costs and benefits of each.
10 min answer →

What does the human resources function do, and why does the law matter?

The role of human resources: the purpose of the HR function, workforce planning, the impact of employment law on businesses, and the main areas of legislation covering recruitment, pay, discrimination and health and safety.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Business J204 topic 3.1, covering the purpose of the HR function, workforce planning, the impact of employment law, and the main areas of employment legislation.
9 min answer →

How do businesses develop the skills of their staff?

Training and development: induction, on-the-job and off-the-job training, the benefits and drawbacks of training, the importance of staff development, and how training links to motivation and performance.
A focused answer to OCR GCSE Business J204 topic 3.6, covering induction, on-the-job and off-the-job training, the benefits and drawbacks of training, and how development links to motivation and performance.
9 min answer →