​​​ Essay on Work-Life Balance Length:2500 words ± 10% (excluding title page and reference list) Reference Style:Harvard Style Document type:MS Word document only Objectives This assessment item relates to course learning outcomes numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as stated in the course profile. Purpose The primary purpose of this assessment task is to assist students develop skills in the application of Human Resource Management (HRM) principles, work-life balance theories and models in the analysis of the present and future role of the HRM function in organisations. The assessment task encourages exploration of the effectiveness of the HRM functions (work-life balance, flexible work arrangements etc.) in dynamic environments and how that effectiveness should be evaluated. The secondary purpose of this assignment is to give students the opportunity to enhance their research, analysis, critical thinking and written communications skills including the identification and development of an argument. Description Assessment task 3 requires the writing of an academic essay. This essay should be an 'argumentative/ academic essay', and must therefore contain an argument that is used as the structuring element of the paper. The assignment is based on a case study that describes the impact of leadership styles and change management on business activities. The purpose of the essay is to identify the roles of work-life balance, flexibility in work arrangements and other challenges in managing dynamic organisations. Students are expected to engage in extensive research within the academic literature relating to work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, job satisfaction and employee performances. Students are expected to engage in extensive research within the academic literature relating to human resource management. Details The assessment item is based on the case study titled Flexibility and work-life balance: who benefits? (pg. 315-316 of textbook: Human Resource Management in Australia (5th Ed., 2014) by Kramar, Bartram, De Cieri, Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart & Wright, McGraw-Hill Australia). You should read, and carefully analyse, the case and respond to the issues presented at the end of the case study within the context of an argumentative essay. You are required to support your argument with appropriate theoretical discussion and references. Tasks Case Study: Flexibility and work-life balance: who benefits? (pg. 315-316 of the textbook) Based on the above mentioned case study, write an essay titled "Work-Life Balance" to critically discuss the following questions: 1. Do you agree with Juliet Bourke that the use of flexibility has moved away from its original paradigms? 2. Critically discuss the implications of excessive working hours on the performance of employees and managers. 3. Analyse ways in which employers could facilitate work-life balance during an economic downturn.