Chapter 9
1. Describe the concept of total compensation. Why is it important?
2. How did the Social Security Act change the way retirement benefits were viewed?
3. In designing a benefits plan, what are the most important considerations for an employer?
4. Some industries are cutting back on benefits because of globalization and global competitiveness. Will globalization affect benefits offered in healthcare organizations, or is the benefits structure in healthcare insulated from these global pressures?
5. Employers are finding it more difficult to support health insurance coverage as a benefit, as it has become more costly than the tax savings for offering it. Is employer-based health insurance on its way out, and if so, is it more or less practical to maintain it as a benefit in a healthcare organization?
6. How has the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affected the healthcare benefits offered to Americans, as well as the cost of healthcare? How have individual states reacted to the federal exchanges? Has the ACA been successful in meeting its original goals and intentions?
Chapter 10
1. Why should management have a policy on unionism? What purpose does such a policy serve?
2. Describe the three phases of the labor relations process. Why are all phases equally important?
3. What are some of the behaviors that may indicate to managers that organizing activities are occurring?
4. What are the implications of changing health reform for management and labor union activity?
