CAIE A-Level Business A2 7.2.2 Methods of Communication Topic Practice

Analyse two benefits to OV of the methods it uses to communicate with employees.

Note:

- Only reward benefits.

- If more than two benefits are referred to, reward the best two.

- L2AN (3 marks) is possible for just one point made.

2

Responses may include:

AO1 Knowledge and understanding

Definition of internal communication and/or possible methods (max K 1 mark)

- Definition or explanation of internal communication - communication between different people or groups within the organisation - and possible methods including meetings, reports, notice boards, memos and email.

- Definition of one and/or two-way communication.

- Communication with employees could also be through external methods such as press reports and social media.

Benefits of internal communication used by OV (max K 2 marks)

- Avoid misunderstanding of what is required.

- To allow coordination of activities within a business.

- To enable employees, have some input into business decision-making.

- To give managers feedback from other employees.

- To motivate employees or avoid demotivation.

- To avoid the spread of rumours and fake information.

- Cut costs.

- Low labour turnover.

AO2 Application

Limited application, ${ }^{\mathrm{APP}}$ applies knowledge to OV once.

Developed application, ${ }^{\mathrm{APP}}+{ }^{\mathrm{APP}}$ applies knowledge to OV twice.

Max one ${ }^{\mathrm{APP}}$ for application for the first benefit and max one ${ }^{\mathrm{APP}}$ for application for the second benefit.

Application is making use of relevant case information not just repeating it.

- Aluna meets with factory workers each week. Two-way communication encouraged in meetings - discussion of operational problems.

- Open-plan office giving team members access to directors.

- Intranet to provide company information and plans to employees.

- Monthly bulletin with contributions from employees.

- Inclusive culture that OV has developed.

2

AO3 Analysis

Limited analysis AN - candidate shows one link in the chain of analysis.

Developed analysis $\mathrm{L2}^{\mathrm{L2N}}$ - candidate shows two or more links in the chain of analysis.

- Greater commitment from workforce if they feel that their concerns are heard. This could result in lower labour turnover and higher productivity ${ }^{\mathrm{AN}}$ and therefore reduce costs and lead to an increase in profit. L2 AN

- Employees more likely to provide ideas for improving operations resulting in more efficient production and lower costs AN. This can result in higher profit. L2 AN

- Less chance of misunderstanding leading to industrial action and disruption to production ${ }^{\mathrm{AN}}$ and therefore dissatisfied customers leading to a reduction in sales.

L2AN

- Development of a positive organisational culture resulting in greater efficiency in use of resources.

- Communication methods used will motivate employees (Herzberg, Mayo) and therefore increase productivity AN which will reduce unit costs and increase profit.

L2AN

Accept all valid responses.