Employee Relations: ASDA Case Study, Perspectives, and Conflicts

This report delves into the critical aspects of employee relations, using ASDA as a case study to illustrate key concepts. It begins by examining the significance of employee relations in enhancing business performance and employee development. The report explores unitary and pluralistic perspectives within the workplace, highlighting their impact on employee-management dynamics. It also discusses the role of trade unions in supporting employees and influencing business conditions. The report identifies the main players in employee relations, including executives, HR managers, and the government, and assesses their contributions to fostering positive employer-employee relationships. Furthermore, it analyzes conflict situations, the procedures used to resolve them, and the strategies for gaining employee involvement and participation in decision-making processes. The report emphasizes the importance of communication, standards, and multidimensional connectivity in building and maintaining strong employee relations. The report concludes by offering insights into effective employee relations management and the benefits of a harmonious work environment.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
1.1................................................................................................................................................3
1.2 ...............................................................................................................................................4
1.3................................................................................................................................................5
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................6
2.1................................................................................................................................................6
2.2 ...............................................................................................................................................8
2.3 ...............................................................................................................................................9
Task 3.............................................................................................................................................10
3.1 .............................................................................................................................................10
3.2 .............................................................................................................................................11
Task 4.............................................................................................................................................13
4.1 .............................................................................................................................................13
4.2..............................................................................................................................................13
4.3 .............................................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
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INTRODUCTION
A good relationship between employees is the most important aspect. It emphasizes on
improving business performance by overall development of employees at workplace.
Traditionally, scope of employee relation was limited to employees and workplace. But later on,
it took a wider scope that refers to the individual and the collective relationship among the office
premises. Personnel relation has emerged as a life line for the employees while working at the
workplace (Kersley, Alpin and et.al., 2013). The employee relation in present scenario
emphasizes on developing strong relationship with employees by satisfying their individual
needs at work place. It also emphasizes on managing the oversight as well as directions to the
union staff employment matters such as leaves, absence etc. Disciplinary issues, staff
performances as well as employee grievance etc. Employee Relations also provides proactive
assistance to supervisors as well as workers by implementing the policies, procedures and the
Staff Handbook directives (Walby, 2013).
The present research emphasizes on evaluating the importance of employee relations at
work place. The case study of ASDA is taken into consideration for understanding importance of
maintaining sound employee relations. It is a retail organization that offers groceries and
clothing products to their customers (About ASDA, 2016). Further, report will include a brief
explanation about the main players under employee relations. Also, it will evaluate the
effectiveness of procedures that are being used under selective conflict situations. Apart from
that, a brief comparison of methods which are used to gain the involvement, engagement as well
as participation of personnel in the decision making process of organisation is discussed.
TASK 1
1.1
Human beings are considered as the most important assets of corporation. It includes set
of assumption, belief and attitude as well as way of thinking which constitute united perspective.
Further, it depends on the statement of success for members of ASDA. It can be said that every
employee must have same statement for the success their distinct set of roles and responsibility
(Rosenbloom, 2014). The unitary perspective indicates the novel image that the business unit
creates through its mission statement. Further, it measures success through actual achievement of
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determined objectives. Along with that, the prerogative of management is accepted as parental
and in best interest of every employee working in ASDA. Management emphasizes on building
employees’ loyalty by increasing sense of belongingness. In simple words, there are various
elements of unitary perspective. First one comprises of single source of authority within
company who are leader, management, etc. (Kreyenfeld, 2010). Secondly, the role of corporation
leader is to promote commitment and loyalty among personnel. Third perspective shows that
how employees work together for achieving the set objectives. It aids to meet expectations of
buyers and determine long run success of business. It tends to resolve conflict situation among
workforce and managers through which successful operation of business can be ensured.
Pluralistic Perspective
Pluralistic perspective believes that office premise is comprised of diverse beliefs, values,
attitudes, behaviour, etc. Personnel with pluralistic perspective opposes the source of
attachments and leaderships within the corporation of ASDA. Under pluralistic perspective,
conflicts are inevitable and this is due to inherent competing interest. Conflicts in some case may
be helpful if they are controlled or identified as the institutional responses (Riggle, Edmondson
and Hansen, 2009). This perspective also includes the role of management who is responsible to
bridge the gap between different set of interests. Along with that, trade union is the strong aspect
ion an organization whereby workforce are managed and motivated. The main aim behind trade
union is to support employees and ensure their participation in decision making process. This
tends to deliver good quality of services to large number of buyers because engaged workforce
tend to focus upon growth and success of business. Similarly, collective bargaining is also the
effective aspect under which manager resolves all the queries raised by workforce.
1.2
Trade unions are the associations or group of workers who tends to support employees at
work place. They are also involved in strategic planning and bringing up laws for the benefit of
employees. The main purpose behind existence of the trade union is that the employees have no
next level of energy to place an impact for changing business environment. The formation of
group of workers in ASDA will increase the possibility of changing business conditions. Trade
unions realize that the respective associations are required to be competitive at global level. This
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in turn helps in providing secure employment for personnel. The effective co-ordination of trade
unions with top-level management in ASDA helps the business unit in managing its operations in
an efficient manner.
Trade unions are required to reinvest their workforce so that effective membership is
formed with them. Also, one has to compare and see the conditions that prevails in ancient
centuries and compare it with the existing working conditions. Furthermore, employees now
possess the best knowledge so that they can work with more efficiency and dedication to meet
their individual needs as well as organizational goals (Frey and Osborne, 2013). Also, there are
various types of modifications that have taken place and are being accepted by the members of
trade union. These amendments have generally influenced the employee relations to a high
extent. This in turn has helped in reducing the problem of employee turnover. United Kingdom’s
government is also responsible for protection of rights of individuals at workplace. . The
protection of individual rights is expected to help the organization in motivating their work force.
Trade unions which are described in the scenario namely RMT and Aslef has accepted the
decision which is taken by the London Underground and have suspended their planned strike.
Trade union believes that a leader is one who considers the employees’ problems and negotiates
with the employer so that workers be developed effectively (Mowbray, 2012). The most
significant issue that workforce is currently facing with is pay scale. A leader negotiates the same
with management so that worker's morale would be boosted up and employees are expected to
work with higher dedication so as to meet organizational goals and objectives.
1.3
The effective relationship between employees and management is generated with the help
of free flow of communication. The relationship among different groups namely, employer and
employee, party acting on the behalf of workforce are considered to be part of employee
relations. Further, the role played by EU legislative and institutions should also be considered to
ensure effective employer-employee relation (Galais and Moser, 2009).
Furthermore, main players involved in employee relations are executives, human
resource management, government, employees, employers, mangers, business venture as well as
work community.
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Executives- Executives while working for the organisation such as ASDA plays a
significant role in enhancing or improving the level of performance of employees (Devicienti,
Maida and Pacelli, 2008). Moreover, they focus on satisfying the requirement of the employees
so that they can get motivated and work in an efficient manner. This will surely help the
organization in building strong relationship.
HR manger- Individual working as HR manager at ASDA plays a significant role in
order to manage and develop the employee relation within the company (Watson, 2011).
Manager usually acts as an intermediary and majorly emphasizes on resolving the effect and
problems of workforce so that they can give their best if proper decisions are made. Moreover, it
is necessary for the HR manager to promote harmony as well as equality among workers in order
to build proper coordination among employers and employees.
Government- Government again plays an important role in enhancing the employer-
employee relationship in order to protect the interests of employers as well as worker. Good
relationship between workforce is supported with regulations set by state and central
government. (Knight and Gunatilaka, 2010). In such manner, standards are set by government
and responsible parties for smooth flow of business and meeting expectations of all associated
buyers. The Government of United Kingdom has enacted procedural as well substantive laws to
regulate employer-employee relations in the country.
TASK 2
2.1
The situation of conflicts generally arise at workplace and among workforce because of
their different roles and responsibilities. Here, set of plans and policies associated with business
is generally complied by employees. Further, there are various practices and procedures that are
used by ASDA executives to resolve the issues (Li and. et.al., 2011). The main aspect on which
the officers of cited venture emphasize on is to identify the cause, find specific way to solve the
problems and the implications done is considered as the main points in order to solve the
problems. These points have been briefly discussed underneath:
Determining the reason of conflict:
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There exist various ways by which conflicts within the enterprise gets enhanced and
executives have to take relative measures in order to solve them as soon as possible. This in turn
saves the venture from the problem of employees’ turnover. Moreover, there exists various
reasons of disputes or conflicts within the enterprise and some of them has been discussed down
under:
1. Not given perfect guidance by employer
2. Superiors’ bad behaviour towards employees (Ward, 2008).
3. Not effective communication system
4. Unsolved problem of various individuals
5. Harassing employees at the workplace
These are the major reasons which lead towards the conflicts and there might be
several others as well (Klein, 2008).
Ways for solving conflicts:
The top management and executives are able to solve the major problems within the
enterprise through formulation of effective policies (Haefke, Sonntag and Van Rens, 2013).
Owing to this, different actions can be taken by business for resoling issues which are taking
place in the organization. Furthermore, workforce will be highly motivateds and dedicated when
they are valued at workplace. Some basic points which ASDA executives can take into
consideration has been discussed down under:
1. Reviewing employees performance and take their feedback
2. Giving workforce safe working environment (Buijsse and. et.al., 2010).
3. Taking employees into consideration in the decision making process
Ways for implementing solutions:
The distinct set of business strategies are implemented by the top executives of ASDA
with an aim to reduce the conflict within the transportation system. Management can consider
some of the core points which has been discussed underneath
1. Executives have to be in contact with their skilled staff, trade unions and also with the
different heads in the transportation system (Ludermir and. et.al., 2010).
2. Executives are also required to make a proper record of the complaints so that they can
check which complaints are solved out and which of them are still pending.
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3. Valuable suggestions can be considered from the employees’ representatives as well so
that effective plans and policies can be formulated so that employee's rights can be
sustained in organisation (Casper and Harris, 2008).
2.2
The employment relationship is very important as it plays signifiant role in an
organization. According to the given scenario, conflict situation of select corporation can be
resolved by focusing upon key features. The same are described in detail below.
Multidimensional connectivity:
In this is the most significant aspect of multidimensional connectivity under which
employers build good relationship with workforce. Furthermore, multidimensional connectivity
ensures that workforce are getting proper support from managers or employers through which
they can work with higher level of integration (Curran and Quinn, 2012).
Standards
The set of rules and regulations as well as policies are framed to build good relationship
with workforce. It will be effective for corporation to comply set of regulations in order to ensure
consistent flow of production. Apart from this, standards set by company assists employees in
rendering good quality of services to end users.
Parties
There re three parties associated with in building good relationship. It consists of
workforce, government and management of company who play active role (Bach and Kessler,
2011). At this juncture, government set equal right act and specification about workforce so that
accordingly management can also meet expectations of buyers. However, legislation specified by
government serve as the guideline for management or employers so that accordingly workforce
are treated.
Dynamic process and different from HRM
The connectivity between workforce is the dynamic process which take place in changing
environment of business. It connects different internal and external parties in the decision
making process (Morris, 2012). However, it is complete part of managing relationship with
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workforce by taking in account daily business activities and other related aspects. Thus, human
resources management is excluded.
Importance of relationship or workforce connectivity
The workforce connectivity is very important for an organization as it support business to
increase overall rate of return and meet expectations of buyers in an effectual manner. In this
regard, ethical code, standing orders as well as collective bargaining are taken into consideration
(Mowday, Porter and Steers, 2013). In a conflict situation, the glitch between employees and
employer results in hampering business growth. The co-ordination and communication among
employees is also hindered due to rising conflicts. It is therefore necessary for the business unit
to overcome the conflict situations. It is through proper communication that the conflicts within
the organization can be resolved. This in turn will help the business unit in achieving business
objectives.
2.3
The effective of procedures used in selected conflict situation has been explained as
follows-
 Implementing effective job design: Job Design is concerned with effective allocation of
work to the workers as per capabilities of the employed personnel. It further assists
ASDA Ltd. in motivating its members to enhance the business performance (Kelly,
2016).
 The job satisfaction among worker is a result of proper allocation of work as per their
respective interests.
 It also influences in physical as well as mental health of individuals.
 Ensuring job enrichment
 Job enrichment assists against explanation of the allotted work to enhance the efficiency,
effectiveness and responsibility (Williams, 2016).
 The adoption of effective procedure will help in encouraging the innovation, effective
controlling to the employees in planning and executing the work.
 Individuals can do assigned work efficiently because of complete freedom through job
enrichment.
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 It helps in enhancing the level of employee satisfaction due to well-qualified working
conditions (ersley, Alpin and et.al., 2013).
 It helps in gaining coordination among employees by ensuring proper communication
between them.
 It increases responsibility and accountability of personnel for the given work by reducing
external control.
 It also helps in enhancing the level of productivity and team work attitude of the
employees (Walby, 2013).
 Suitable work place design
 Employee satisfaction is also dependent on the workplace design. Therefore, in order to
satisfy Psychological needs of the employees, it is essential to build the have positive
working environment.
 ASDA Ltd. rewards its staff fairly from time to time. Thus, it helps in satisfying the
workers.
 Discrimination is a factor of dissatisfaction among employees. Therefore by job rotation
the company can eliminate the discrimination and increase the satisfaction between
employees (Rosenbloom, 2014).
 It helps in increasing the profitability of the company by building up strong relationship
between the employees.
 It helps in building strong brand image in the market of ASDA Ltd.
TASK 3
3.1
Negotiation and collective bargaining are important aspect which facilitate to carry out
business activities in an effectual manner. Here, terms and condition by taking into account pay
scale and benefits are also considered. At this juncture, negotiation will be effective to exchange
views and opinion among employers and employees. Furthermore, skilful negotiation can easily
convert into consultation into meaningful negotiation. Collective bargaining tends to support
employees so they can accordingly put efforts to achieve long as well as short term objectives
(Collective Bargaining, Agreements and Negotiations, 2016).
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The single employer is appointed fr resolving queries raised by workforce by taking into
account specific aspect related to conflicts. At the same time, mutual agreement take place which
aid to increase satisfaction level of workforce. (Buijsse and. et.al., 2010). For example,
workforce might having issue related to poor wage and low incentive in comparison to efforts
put by them. Owing to this, representative of union present the issue in from of employers
through which fruitful decision in taken to make employees satisfied (Ludermir and. et.al.,
2010). Negotiation plays an effective role in the bargaining situation and some of the major
points in relation to the same has been discussed down under:
 Negotiation usually create sense of self respect for both the superiors and subordinates.
 It increases the productivity of employees and reduces the disputes up to some extent.
 Become easy for executives to solve all the grievances at the bargaining level rather
than focusing on solving complaints of individual manually and one by one.
Apart from it, it is also found that negotiation usually develops a sense of self-respect and
responsibility among the union and executive's as it certainly helps in enhancing employees’
performance (Curran and Quinn, 2012).
3.2
The impact of negotiation strategy can be seen in corporation in term of strikes, lockouts,
etc. Some of the negotiation strategy is in form of forcing, smoothing as well as compromising
(Rosenbloom, 2014). For example, if their exist strike by the train drives in London, at that time
executives have to implement smoothing negotiation strategy so that management can come up
with the best decisions which is undertaken by considering the grievances of employees or the
leader of trade union.
Moreover, there are few negotiation strategies as well which has been discussed down
under:
Distributive negotiation
This sort of negotiation is considered as hard-bargaining or positional negotiation. In
this, each of the party who is working in the organisation chooses an extreme position. At times,
this sort of distribution is also known as 'win-lose' because it generally focuses on deriving profit
for one party and loss for another (Walby, 2013). Distributive negotiation reflects that workforce
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never interacted with employers for any of their issues and nor they are interested to build the
same in near future (Fox and et.al. 2012). For this purpose, different parties associated with
issue present their issues and accordingly meaningful outcome is extracted. It enables employees
to deliver good quality of services to large number of buyers. Apart from this, negotiation
strategy tend to increase the satisfaction level of workforce so that competitive edge of business
can be created in the marketplace. Moreover, negotiation also enables employers to focus upon
efforts put by employees so that accordingly monetary or non-monetary reward can be offered
(Rosenbloom, 2014).
Combinative negotiation
This type of negotiation is usually treated as interest based negotiation where each and
every party focuses on building sound relationship with one another. This type of negotiation
usually develop mutual trust between superiors-subordinates and also with the leader of the trade
union. It is generally applied on some corporation which put combine efforts attaining something
in collective form (Mowday, Porter and Steers, 2013). Though, trust should be there between
workforce or group which extracted fruitful outcome. However, here, both parties give their
context for mutual agreement so that accordingly they can contribute towards growth and
success of business.
ASDA can overcome the issues faced through implementation of integrative negotiation.
It is through integrative negotiation that the strong relationship is developed among employees.
The exchange of ideas and thoughts will help in building strong and positive relationship among
the employees. This in turn would in result in resolving conflicts and ensuring effective
completion of organizational goals and objectives.
TASK 4
4.1
Various practices help in creating a positive working environment. The business practices
such as anti-harassment policies which is mostly implemented at workplace helps the female
workers to move freely in the company. Another policy of trade which forms European Union
indicates the degree of freedom of a company like ASDA. Following policy helps company in
expansion its services globally. EU polices also cover the policy of health and safety of the
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