I. Read and translate the following international words without using a dictionary.

Person, personnel, management, function, organization, programs, bonus, calculation

II. Read and translate the text. Personnel management

The Personnel Department is concerned with the provision and maintenance of a workforce. There are two dimensions to the task. The first is to ensure that employees are available in the right numbers, at the right time and with the necessary skills for the jobs that need to be done. This is the dimension of quantity. The second dimension relates to the quality of the workforce and is evidenced by the workers’ enthusiasm and motivation. Highly motivated workers will be more productive.

The personnel function in an organization has many facets. There will have to be contact with line and departmental managers to ascertain staffing requirements. Applicants for jobs will need to be interviewed and recommendations made for appointments. Procedures will need to be developed for upgradings and promotions as well as selection. After staff have been appointed induction programs will need to be organized so that the new recruits can fit in as efficient members of the team as soon as possible. Further training may be necessary, either in the firm (on-job) or at college (off-job). Such programs need to be arranged to fit in with the normal work schedules.

The whole framework of pay is obviously of concern to personnel, including salary scales, overtime and bonus payments where appropriate. The calculations are complicated somewhat by flexible working hours which give staff the opportunity to choose their own attendance times within certain limits. There is generally a core time during which all staff are expected to be present.

The Personnel Department has an overall responsibility for carrying out the policies of the Board of Directors in relation to staffing, but is also expected to help in the formulation of that policy. A vital area of involvement would be the negotiations with trade unions and the shop stewards, listening to grievances and attempting to cope with them, but also attempting to anticipate them. The Department should be concerned with all matters of welfare, from lighting and heating through to safety and personal hygiene.

No matter how automated production becomes, the roles of people are central in every business. The most expensive equipment is ineffective in the hands of careless or disgruntled workers and the Personnel Department carries the main responsibility for ensuring that morale is high in the organization.

Vocabulary

workforce – рабочая сила

grievance – жалоба

negotiations – переговоры

induction program – программа трудоустройства

framework of pay –система оплаты

III. And answer the following questions

1. What are the prime objectives of the Personnel Department?

2. What needs to be done after staff have been appointed?

3. How is the Personnel Department involved in the payment of wages and salaries?

4. How does the law protect the employee?

5. What do you think might be included in an induction program?

6. What problems would you expect if an off job training program was to be arranged?

7. What do you think would be the purpose of interviewing candidates for a job?

8. Why should the Personnel Department be concerned about the employees’ attitude to work?

9. How do you think grievances should be dealt with?