This chapter in the first edition of Human Resource
Management in a Business Context contains two case studies. They have been replaced by newer items in the second edition.
The following provides notes for users of the first edition.
Case Study 3.1
Unemployment in the UK
This case uses the UK as an example but the same principles apply to other countries.
For example, unemployment varies from one region, district or even street to another; and most
developed countries have experienced cyclical swings in unemployment levels over the years.
The focus of question 1 is on social attitudes towards unemployment. In the UK, attitudes
have changed at least partly in line with media presentation of unemployment as a national or
an individual problem. You should consider how attitudes have been formed in your own country or
region - is there a basis in ethics, media coverage, government attitude, social differences, and
so on. Use news and other sources to try and collect information.
The response for Question 2 can vary from country to country but there is a logical/ theoretical
key to the answer. The basic material for this question is found on page 72 onwards
under . You may have
thought through these issues when reading the case study on pages 76-77. This is a
question in which a definition of the key concept is essential as a prelude to the rest of the
answer. In this case what exactly is 'full employment'? In fact, it does not mean zero
unemployment - this is impossible because of various factors such as individuals taking their
time to obtain work after completing university, a serious illness, etc. Can you find an exact
percentage quoted anywhere which is accepted by a particular country or international body as
the equivalent to no unemployment? There are other complicating factors to do with calculating
relevant statistics, such as the way in which some people who are not working are regarded as
'unemployed' (perhaps claiming state unemployment benefits) whereas others are not (not claiming/
entitled).
Another aspect is the desirability of full employment. This might lead to an inflexible job
market which would stifle growth or the development of new industries.
Case Study 3.2:
Working hours.
Both the questions for this case study could be answered from the case study. Better still, do
some research of your own in order to develop a better answer.
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