Hrmg 333: Industrial Relations Question Paper
Hrmg 333: Industrial Relations
Course:Industrial Relations
Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers
Exam Year:2008
KENYA METHODIST UNIVERSITY
END OF SECOND TRIMESTER 2008 EXAMINATIONS
FACULTY : BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES
DEPARTEMENT : BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
COURSE CODE : HRMG 333
COURSE TITLE : INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
TIME : 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Answer Question ONE and any other TWO Questions
Question 1
CASE STUDY
Madiaba Enterprise Ltd engages in the manufacturing of leather products and has workforce of 30 people. Leo Workers Union represents workers in the leather Industry.
In November 1988, a dispute arose when the union approached the company seeking to be recognized. The company rejected the demand. The Matter was referred to an Arbitrator. The Arbitrator observed that the company’s industrial activities fell under the leather industry and Leo Workers Union was the appropriate Union to represent their unionzable employees. It was recommended that the company should accord the union recognition.
The company turned down the decision because the union membership had been done secretly and Management was surprised at the allegations that some of their employees were union members. The company further stated that workers are entitled to the right to decide of their own free will whether or not to join a trade union. The company felt that the employees were being coerced to join a trade union. Consequently the company did not support enrolment of their employees into Leo Workers Union. On the other side of the coin, the union submitted that 23 unionizable employees out of a total of 30 employees in the company employment were their members. The union further stressed that there was no other trade union fighting to represent the company’s employees and workers had indicated their wish to remain in their union.
(a) The matter has reached a deadlock. How do you go about sorting it out? (20 marks)
(b) Explain the challenges facing trade union? (8 marks)
(c) Explain briefly five causes of grievances. (5 marks)
(d) Name two trade unions, which are not affiliated to CO.TU. (2 marks)
Question 2
(a) Before negotiations takes place each side in the collective bargaining weighs its bargaining power so as to determine the maximum concessions which it will give to the other side. The concession depends mainly on the estimated cost of the shoppage. Explain the factors considered before giving a concession. (7 marks)
(b) List down four reasons why the’ plea of lack of ability to pay’ is played down by labour unions during the collective bargaining. (4 marks)
(c) Outline the content of collective bargaining agreement. (6marks)
(d) Discuss the four activities involved in collective bargaining process. (8 marks)
Question 3
(a) Outline the functions of FKE. (6 marks)
(b) Conciliation, mediation, and arbitration are often wrongly used interchangeably. Explain their right use. (9 marks)
(c) Briefly discuss five causes of Industrial disputes. (5 marks)
(d) Briefly discuss five methods for prevention of industrial disputes. (5 marks)
Question 4
(a) List down five objectives of C.O.T.U. (5 marks)
(b) Discuss the five basic rules that help to reduce the resentment inherent in all disciplinary action. (10 marks)
(c) Briefly explain the characteristics of an effective disciplinary procedure. (5 marks)
(d) Outline reasons why people join trade unions. (5 marks)
Question 5
(a) Briefly explain the seven characteristics of a participative culture in an organization. (14 marks)
(b) Explain the merits of using joint consultative process in an organization. (6 marks)
(c) Discuss briefly the various options for workers participation. (5 marks)
Question 6
(a) Briefly discuss any five recent developments with regard to labou r legislation.
(10 marks)
(b) Explain the cost of a strike. (5 marks)
(c) Briefly explain the role of an employer in Industrial relations management.
(5 marks)
(d) Outline the different conditions under which the Industrial court shall not accept any disputes. (5 marks)
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