LRM2601
Assessment 03
Semester 02 (2024)
Name: Insert your initials and surname
Student number: Insert your student number
, LRM2601
Assessment 03 (Semester 2, 2024)
QUESTION 1: PERSPECTIVES ON THE INHERENT NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT
RELATIONS
In the scenario with Mr. Mkhize at Golden Wheels Transport Services, the unitarist
perspective on employment relations is clearly reflected in his actions and approach.
The unitarist perspective views the organization as a cohesive, unified entity where
management and employees share common goals and interests. From this viewpoint,
conflicts within the employment relationship are considered rare and abnormal, as it
assumes that employees will naturally align with management's decisions for the
benefit of the organization.
Mr. Mkhize’s decision to cut overtime work to reduce labor costs reflects his belief in
managerial authority and the notion that such decisions are in the best interest of the
company. The unitarist approach downplays the potential for conflict, assuming that
employees will accept this decision because it serves the company’s long-term goals.
His actions suggest that he expects employees to understand the necessity of cutting
costs and to support the decision, even if it negatively impacts them in the short term.
This perspective fails to fully recognize that employees may have differing interests or
that the reduction in overtime could cause dissatisfaction or unrest among the
workforce. The unitarist view is often criticized for ignoring or minimizing the presence
of conflict and failing to account for the inherent power imbalance between
management and employees. In this case, Mr. Mkhize's approach assumes harmony,
despite the likelihood that the decision may provoke tension or dissatisfaction among
the workers.
1.5 the interplay between employment relations and its broader environment: implications for management and
organisational success
QUESTION 2: POWER DYNAMICS IN EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
2
Assessment 03
Semester 02 (2024)
Name: Insert your initials and surname
Student number: Insert your student number
, LRM2601
Assessment 03 (Semester 2, 2024)
QUESTION 1: PERSPECTIVES ON THE INHERENT NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT
RELATIONS
In the scenario with Mr. Mkhize at Golden Wheels Transport Services, the unitarist
perspective on employment relations is clearly reflected in his actions and approach.
The unitarist perspective views the organization as a cohesive, unified entity where
management and employees share common goals and interests. From this viewpoint,
conflicts within the employment relationship are considered rare and abnormal, as it
assumes that employees will naturally align with management's decisions for the
benefit of the organization.
Mr. Mkhize’s decision to cut overtime work to reduce labor costs reflects his belief in
managerial authority and the notion that such decisions are in the best interest of the
company. The unitarist approach downplays the potential for conflict, assuming that
employees will accept this decision because it serves the company’s long-term goals.
His actions suggest that he expects employees to understand the necessity of cutting
costs and to support the decision, even if it negatively impacts them in the short term.
This perspective fails to fully recognize that employees may have differing interests or
that the reduction in overtime could cause dissatisfaction or unrest among the
workforce. The unitarist view is often criticized for ignoring or minimizing the presence
of conflict and failing to account for the inherent power imbalance between
management and employees. In this case, Mr. Mkhize's approach assumes harmony,
despite the likelihood that the decision may provoke tension or dissatisfaction among
the workers.
1.5 the interplay between employment relations and its broader environment: implications for management and
organisational success
QUESTION 2: POWER DYNAMICS IN EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS
2
