The Imperial – Topic 2 Review Questions
Unit 2.1 – Human Resources Planning:
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With reference to Martin’s alternative staffing plans:
o Distinguish between internal and external recruitment.
o Distinguish between retention and recruitment.
Analyze how recruitment, appraisal, training, dismissal and redundancies enable The Imperial to
achieve its future workforce planning targets.
Evaluate the appropriateness of the two human resources approaches outlined by Martin (Appendix 3).
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Compare the current human resources requirements with future requirements both before and during
the mass renovations outlined in option 1.
(HL) Explain how Handy’s shamrock organization theory can be applied to the proposal in Option 2 to
“reduce the housekeeping staff by 70%” (lines 148-149)
Unit 2.2 – Organizational Structure:
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Sketch The Imperial’s organization structure and comment on the organization’s:
o Levels of hierarchy
o Chain of command
o Flat versus tall structure
Explain how a change to the Imperial’s organization structure could affect employee motivation,
communication and performance.
Explain which of the three options would likely change The Imperial’s organization structure the most.
Unit 2.3 – Communication:
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Analyze the causes of communication failure between Susan Chapman and the Housekeeping
employees.
Evaluate possible solutions to the current communication failure between Susan Chapman and
Guthoni.
Unit 2.4 –Leadership and Management:
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With reference to the Imperial, distinguish between autocratic leadership and laissez-faire leadership.
Evaluate the effectiveness of these two styles and their implications for The Imperial.
Using examples from the case study, explain the key functions of management, applying the theories:
o Fayol
o Handy
o Drucker
Unit 2.5 – Motivation:
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Define performance related pay (line 45).
Analyze the intrinsic and extrinsic needs that are satisfied for Martin by working at the Imperial and the
rewards that motivate him.
Apply Maslow’s content theory of motivation to The Imperial.
Apply one or more appropriate motivational theories to explain the impact of Susan Chapman’s
leadership style on employee motivation.
With reference to the appropriate motivational theory, analyze the likely impact of Martin’s belief in
“empowerment and delegation” (line 90) on the level of employee motivation.
Unit 2.6 –Organizational and Corporate Culture (HL only):
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Outline steps that Martin could take to ensure a positive and harmonious corporate culture.
Outline which of Handy’s four types of culture is most appropriate for The Imperial.
Explain why choosing option 1 might require changes in The Imperial’s culture?
Outline potential factors that might make it hard for Martin to implement such culture change.
Unit 2.7 – Employer and Employee Relations (HL only):
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Explain what is meant by summary dismissal (line 111).
Analyze the impact on The Imperial of legal employment rights.
Evaluate the idea that Susan had the legal right to dismiss Guthoni.
Explain how the strike action could be regarded as empowering (line 119).
Analyze the dynamic nature of relationships between the hotel’s employees, their representatives, and
Martin Kimathi.
Examine the methods that could be used by Martin to ensure that a strike does not take place in
December.
Evaluate methods Martin could use to overcome his conflict with Susan.