Analyse the concept of employee representation and participation and be able to assess the potential role these might

have in the achievement of stated organisational objectives

Employee Representation
The right of employees to seek a union or individual to represent them during conflicts and disputes (Eurofound, 2007). Also required during redundancy, pension arrangements, changes to working times and employee transfers (Riley, 2012). There is no common structure for employee representation in the UK and in many workplaces it does not exist. Unions are the most common way that employees are represented (Fulton, 2011).

Employee representation provides employees with a collective voice. This is important in building trust where employees feel confident that their contributions will be valued. It also; Increases motivation Employees become more committed to the business strategies & objectives Better decision-making made as employees insights are taken into account Results in a lower risk of industrial disputes (Riley, 2012). Therefore, with effective employee representation, employers and employees will be able to achieve their stated organisational objectives.

 Process whereby employees are involved in decision making processes, rather than just acting on orders (Business Case Studies, 2012). Team work is key and each team member is encouraged to make decisions for themselves following the organisations guidelines.

Employee Participation

It involves staff actively assisting the running and improvement of business process and operations (Redsteer, 2012).

Employee participation is a key motivational tool as employees are trusted to make decisions for themselves. It also; Improves morale Increases productivity Promotes team work Enhances innovative ideas (Richason, 2012). Motivational tools are key in ensuring the best from employees, thus by using employee participation within the workplace, employees will create higher quality work. It is therefore more likely that organisations will be able to achieve their objectives and goals when making the most of employee participation.

How representation and participation will help achieve organisational goals

Participation Improves morale Increases productivity Promotes team work Enhances innovative ideas Improved productivity will produce more work, increased morale will produce better quality of work, team work and ideas will bring new and improved products. This will therefore help an organisation to produce higher levels of profit and thus satisfying one the most important part of business. One of the most important stakeholders will also be satisfied, the shareholders. Representation Increases motivation Employees become more committed to the business strategies & objectives Better decision-making made as employees insights are taken into account Results in a lower risk of industrial disputes Through improved motivation employees will work harder, higher commitment towards strategies and objectives will move the company forward as a collective , this will also improve output. Better decision making will be produced due to tapping into a larger source of knowledge (the employees). Lower risk of industrial disputes will also be positively accepted by all management. These factors will all then lead to the company satisfying stake holders but also helping a business to expand through growth in sales thus once again leading to improved levels of profit.

 Business Case Studies (2012) Employee Participation. Available at: http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/business-theory/people/employeeparticipation.html#axzz2F9bDMTIo (Accessed: 15 December 2012). Eurofound (2007) Employee Representation. Available at: http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/areas/industrialrelations/dictionary/definitio ns/EMPLOYEEREPRESENTATION.htm (Accessed: 14 December 2012). Fulton, L. (2011) Workplace Representation. Available at: http://www.workerparticipation.eu/National-Industrial-Relations/Countries/UnitedKingdom/Workplace-Representation (Accessed: 14 December 2012). Redsteer, A. (2012) What is employee participation & empowerment?. Available at: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/employee-participation-empowerment42037.html (Accessed: 15 December 2012). Richason, O. (2012) What are the benefits of practiving employee involvement & empowerment?. Available at: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefitspracticing-employee-involvement-empowerment-1842.html (Accessed: 15 December 2012) Riley, J. (2012) Communication Employee Representation. Available at: http://www.tutor2u.net/business/people/communication_emplee_rep.asp (Accessed: 14 December 2012).