LRM4801 ASSIGN 9 2024
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LRM4801 assignment 9 2024 is a guide that help students to answer their
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, LRM4801 ASSIGN 9 2024
Table of Contents
Question 1: Strategic management at Ubuntu Tech Solutions ................................... 3
Question 2: Equity and diversity management at Ubuntu Tech Solutions ................ 11
Question 3: Collective bargaining ............................................................................. 18
Question 4: Discipline and dismissal at Ubuntu Tech Solutions ............................... 25
Question 5: HR-monitoring and auditing .................................................................. 32
References ............................................................................................................... 37
, LRM4801 ASSIGN 9 2024
Question 1: Strategic management at Ubuntu Tech Solutions
1.1 Ubuntu Tech Solutions operates in a highly competitive and fast-paced technology
sector, dealing with various internal and external pressures that impact its employment
relations. These include compliance with South African labour laws, managing diverse
employee needs, and handling union activity. Given the complexity of the company’s
environment, a simple linear model may not be sufficient to address the challenges it
faces. Considering the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Ubuntu Tech Solutions,
explain why a holistic and integrated systems model would be more effective in
managing employment relations at the company. In your explanation, highlight how
such a model would help address the various internal and external factors - such as
employee relations, diversity, compliance with labour laws, and union negotiations -
affecting the organisation. (8)
A holistic and integrated systems model would be more effective for managing
employment relations at Ubuntu Tech Solutions because it accounts for the complex,
interrelated factors that influence the workplace dynamics and business outcomes.
Unlike a simple linear model, which treats challenges in isolation, a systems approach
looks at the broader picture and the interconnections between various elements in the
organization.
Employee Relations and Well-being
Ubuntu Tech Solutions has been facing challenges related to employee turnover and
dissatisfaction with work-life balance, which are exacerbated by a fast-paced, "work
harder, faster" mentality. A systems model would integrate employee well-being into
the larger organizational framework. By addressing this issue in the context of the
company’s culture, management practices, and workload distribution, it can foster a
supportive environment. For instance, the introduction of wellness programs and
flexible working arrangements could be systematically integrated into employee
performance reviews, team dynamics, and leadership behaviour. This approach
encourages a balance between innovation and employee welfare, making work
demands more sustainable in the long run (Lane & Saint-Martin, 2021). 0717513144
Diversity and Inclusivity
Ubuntu Tech Solutions is committed to diversity and inclusion, but it has struggled with
creating equal opportunities for underrepresented groups. A systems model can help
, LRM4801 ASSIGN 9 2024
integrate mentorship programs, career development initiatives, and fair evaluation
practices across all levels of the organization. The model would ensure that diversity
and inclusion are not viewed as isolated policies but as core values embedded in every
aspect of the employee lifecycle—from recruitment to promotion to leadership
development (Fitzgerald, 2024). This alignment would create a cohesive strategy for
meeting employment equity targets and improving organizational culture, ensuring fair
treatment for all employees. 0717513144
Compliance with Labour Laws
The company is facing challenges with compliance to South African labour laws,
particularly under the Employment Equity Act (EEA), the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act (BCEA), and Labour Relations Act (LRA). An integrated systems
model would ensure that compliance is woven into the daily operations and decision-
making processes (Hayter & Visser, 2021). For example, in revising labour relations
policies, Sipho Nkosi could implement compliance checks that align the company’s
HR practices with the law while maintaining an open dialogue with employees. By
seeing the regulatory environment as a system with interconnected legal, HR, and
management elements, the company can more proactively manage its compliance
obligations rather than react to audits and complaints.
Union Activity and Negotiations
The union activity at the Cape Town branch highlights the need for Ubuntu Tech
Solutions to manage industrial relations effectively, especially since the company has
limited experience with unions. A systems model can be used to build a framework for
dialogue and cooperation between management and unions. By creating clear
channels of communication, understanding the root causes of union dissatisfaction,
and engaging in early negotiations, management can address grievances before they
escalate. The model would encourage transparency, ensuring that employees feel
heard and that their concerns are incorporated into decision-making processes.
Additionally, it would facilitate the integration of union relations into the company’s
broader strategy, allowing for smoother conflict resolution and better understanding of
employee needs (Vnoučková, 2020).
Addressing Employee Engagement and Satisfaction