Evaluate the practical and legal challenges that organization experience in managing the employment relationship within the contemporary workplace.

Assignment Brief

Module Number: BMP6005

Module Name: Work and the Employment Relationship

Year/Trimester: 2020-2021/Semester 1

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO3: evaluate the practical and legal challenges that organisations experience in managing the employment relationship within the contemporary workplace.

LO4: present justifiable recommendations to a set of employment relations issues in a given organisation.

Assessment:

Requirements and components of the task

The presentation is assumed to be for senior management of a company. This means you have to be extremely diligent with respect to storyline, formatting, correct spelling (no typos!), structure, labeling and numbering of headlines, efficient use of time, and the interaction with audience (you need to rehearse your presentation multiple times). You will eventually be assessed by the impact of the presentation.

Expected Format

The presentation will be in one of the lecture rooms with students having access to a Windows computer and a projector. There are not requirements as for the use of PowerPoint, Prezi, etc. But there is a time requirement that you should strictly adhere to.

Assessment Breakdown

1. Depth of Knowledge and Understanding (20%)
2. Application of Theory & Concept and Critical Analysis & Evaluation (30%)
3. Synthesis & Conclusions (15%)
4. Format, Flow and Academic Referencing (20%)
5. Adherence to time (15%)

Assessment guidance

You are asked to develop a presentation and present to Senior Management of the Company. The company works internationally and now seeks to strengthen its global footprint by setting up subsidiaries in different countries. It is in this context that you are asked to advise Senior Management on the following topics of your choice:

1. Evaluate the practical and legal challenges that organization experience in managing the employment relationship within the contemporary workplace.
2. Recommend set of employment relations issues.

Academic practice

The University policy will apply in all cases of copying, plagiarism or any other methods by which students have obtained (or attempted to obtain) an unfair advantage.

Secondary Research Level HE6 - It is expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include three refereed academic journals and five academic books.

Assessment Preparation and Submission (see section 16 of the module guide for Guidelines on the Preparation and Submission of Assignments)

Additional Submission Instructions:

You are only required to submit a soft copy of presentation slides via “Turn-it-in UK” on the module Moodle page.

Assessment Criteria (see section 16 of the module guide for General Assessment Criteria)

Specific Assessment Criteria

Excellent (70%+):The presentation will be to a high standard and will reflect the effective application of extensive reading. They will address the specific issues outlined in the assignment brief about Work and the Employment Relationship.

Very Good (60 – 69%): The presentation will cover the salient points. The presentation will be very clear and informative. The presentation is very well written and presented in a structured and readable style.

Good (50 – 59%): The presentation will cover some salient points. The presentation will be clear and informative. The presentation is well written and presented in a structured and readable style.

Third class (40-49%): A reasonable attempt will be made to prepare and deliver the presentation but will be under-developed and will not reflect effective teamwork.

Fail (39% and below): Students who do not meet the requirements of a third class grade will not successfully complete the assessment activity.

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO3: evaluate the practical and legal challenges that organisations experience in managing the employment relationship within the contemporary workplace.

LO4: present justifiable recommendations to a set of employment relations issues in a given organisation.

Sample Answer

Managing the Employment Relationship: Practical and Legal Challenges and Strategic 

Introduction

The management of employment relationships has become increasingly complex in today’s globalised and technology-driven world. Organisations face diverse practical and legal challenges when expanding internationally, where they must comply with varied employment laws and accommodate differing cultural expectations. This essay critically evaluates the key challenges faced by multinational businesses in managing the employment relationship. It further provides justified recommendations to address employment relations issues within a company operating across multiple jurisdictions. For this analysis, GlobalTech Solutions Ltd, a fictional but representative international technology firm, will be used as the case study. The discussion focuses on how GlobalTech can strengthen its employment practices while expanding into new international markets.

The Employment Relationship in the Contemporary Workplace

The employment relationship is defined by the interaction between employers and employees, governed by formal contracts, workplace policies, and regulatory frameworks. According to Edwards (2014), this relationship involves not only legal agreements but also unwritten expectations, often referred to as the psychological contract. In a global context, the employment relationship becomes multifaceted, influenced by differences in legal systems, cultural norms, and employee expectations.

With rapid global expansion, companies like GlobalTech Solutions Ltd face increased pressure to manage this relationship effectively, ensuring legal compliance while maintaining employee engagement and productivity. Poorly managed employment relations can lead to disputes, legal penalties, reduced employee morale, and reputational damage.

Practical Challenges in Managing Employment Relationships Globally

One of the main practical challenges in managing employment relationships internationally is cultural diversity. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory highlights how differing views on power distance, individualism, and uncertainty avoidance affect workplace behaviour and expectations. For example, in hierarchical societies like China, employees may expect clear authority and structured management, whereas in flatter organisations in countries like Sweden, employees may value autonomy and participatory management styles. GlobalTech must adapt its leadership and communication strategies to fit local cultural expectations while retaining its core organisational values.

Another major challenge is communication across time zones and languages. As remote work becomes more prevalent, managing distributed teams requires clear protocols, effective use of technology, and strategies to maintain engagement. Miscommunication or lack of timely information can lead to reduced efficiency and dissatisfaction among staff.

Additionally, recruitment and retention can be difficult in foreign markets. Local labour markets vary in terms of available skills, wage expectations, and employment rights. Attracting and retaining talent requires understanding these factors and offering competitive, locally relevant employment packages.

Continued...