MGT 3320 Ch 4
12. The bargain laborer strategy is consistent with high differentiation.
False
17. The Occupational Information Network, called O*Net, can substitute for job analysis.
False
18. A potential problem using an employee currently assigned to a position as a source for job analysis is that they do not understand human resource policies and programs.
False
19. To cut costs, the job analysis interview is typically conducted through survey methods.
False
20. Job analysis questionnaires must be developed on an ad hoc basis and as a result are expensive and not used often.
False
25. The Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) is used to collect information about job duties and responsibilities so a job description can be developed.
False
32. Conflict between work and family roles is a unique U.S. phenomenon.
False
34. Telework is consistent with the mechanistic approach to job design.
False
4. Research finds that high autonomy is good for all workers, regardless of the work context.
False
5. Workers with high autonomy are best at repetitive, clearly defined work.
False
6. Autonomy is critical in an organization which has sequential processing in its operations.
False
7. High autonomy will improve performance of the individual and the organization in a context with sequential processing in its operations.
False
Flextime is most consistent with the mechanistic approach to job design.
False
1. Differentiation suggests that each worker should be assigned a set of similar tasks in order to specialize in doing certain things very well.
True
10. Reciprocal processes and high autonomy correspond with improved performance when work processes are complex and constantly changing.
True
11. Efficiency is often created by combining low autonomy and sequential processing.
True
13. The process of systematically collecting information about work tasks is called job analysis.
True
14. To avoid legal problems, effective job analysis is important for an organization.
True
15. Effective job analysis can be viewed as a first step for appropriately hiring, training, and compensating workers.
True
16. Jobs that are important to the success of the organization and jobs in which large numbers of people are employed should be given priority for job analysis.
True
2. Strategic work design can benefit an organization by assigning and coordinating tasks in ways that increase productivity.
True
21. Job analysis observation works well in jobs where tasks are repeated frequently.
True
22. The best way to conduct effective job analysis is to use a combination of techniques.
True
23. Good job specifications focus attention on knowledge, skills, and abilities that separate high and low-performing workers.
True
24. The critical incidents technique of job analysis involved identifying instances of effective and ineffective behavior exhibited by people in a specific position.
True
26. Carefully prepared job specifications can guide selection practices so that appropriate tests can be found to identify which applicants actually have the desirable characteristics.
True
27. After job analysis is completed for a position, it is important to identify the relative degree of competency necessary for entry-level performance to avoid legal issues.
True
28. Competency modeling is more likely than job analysis to link work analysis procedures and outcomes to business goals.
True
29. Competencies tend to be somewhat broader and less specifically defined than the activities assessed in job analysis.
True
3. Employees with more autonomy are more likely to go beyond expectations without extra pay.
True
30. To increase productivity, the mechanistic approach to designing jobs seeks to simplify work as much as possible.
True
31. Jobs designed to increase motivation and satisfaction may have reduced efficiency.
True
33. Flextime tends to be more useful for organizations pursuing differentiation strategies.
True
35. Telework is most likely to occur in organizations pursuing differentiation strategies.
True
8. In situations where work lacks prescribed plans or processes and team members must confer often to complete the work, reciprocal processing works best.
True
9. Organizations using cost HR strategies focus on efficiency so jobs are often standardized in these organizations.
True
63. According to the job characteristics model, which of the following are characteristics of jobs that provide intrinsic motivation? a) Autonomy and knowledge of work results b) Meaningfulness, responsibility and knowledge of work results c) Interdependence and responsibility d) Meaningfulness, autonomy and independence
b) Meaningfulness, responsibility and knowledge of work results
56. Which of the following is NOT a legal issue related to job analysis? a) Data should be collected from enough people to be sure the results are accurate b) Use of a subject matter expert c) The method used to analyze the job should be clearly described d) Tasks, duties and activities must be identified and included in the job analysis
b) Use of a subject matter expert
60. The mechanistic approach to job design: a) is based upon enhancing employee motivation and satisfaction b) is based on the scientific method to create jobs c) is based upon enhancing intrinsic motivation d) seeks to have employees develop new and better ways to accomplish work
b) is based on the scientific method to create jobs
36. Which of the following are elements of work design? a) Differentiation and integration b) Integration but not differentiation c) Differentiation but not integration d) Differentiation, integration and job descriptions
a) Differentiation and integration
43. Which of the following is NOT true of organizations using cost HR strategies? a) Employees have high levels of autonomy b) They use either the Bargain Laborer or Loyal Soldier HR strategy c) They focus on efficiency d) Jobs are standardized so that employees can quickly learn a set of tasks
a) Employees have high levels of autonomy
51. Which of the following is an example of a job specification? a) Knowledge of case law concerning labor law and skill in interpreting case law b) Incumbent will gather data for a variety of financial reports c) An internal job announcement d) Job analysis
a) Knowledge of case law concerning labor law and skill in interpreting case law
64. Which of the following approaches to job design seeks to simplify mental demands on workers? a) Perceptual approach b) Perspective approach c) Biological approach d) Mechanistic approach
a) Perceptual approach
66. The mechanistic approach: a) can be combined with the motivational approach to create jobs that are efficient and satisfying b) when combined with the motivational approach creates an organizations without strategic focus c) results in higher levels of employee satisfaction d) provides important guidance when the underlying strategy is differentiation
a) can be combined with the motivational approach to create jobs that are efficient and satisfying
46. The steps in the job analysis process include: a) getting organized, choosing jobs, reviewing knowledge, seeking agents, collecting information, creating job descriptions and creating job specifications b) getting organized, reviewing job classification standards, meeting with incumbents, writing job descriptions and creating job specifications c) getting organized, choosing jobs, meeting with incumbents and writing job specifications d) choosing jobs, reviewing job descriptions, meeting with employees, creating job descriptions and creating job specifications
a) getting organized, choosing jobs, reviewing knowledge, seeking agents, collecting information, creating job descriptions and creating job specifications
57. Competency modeling: a) is an alternative to job analysis that focuses on a broader set of characteristics that workers need to effectively perform job duties b) is an alternative to job analysis that focuses on a more specific set of knowledge and skills that workers need to effectively perform job duties c) does not work as well as job analysis as outcomes are not as related to business goals and strategies d) involves tasks, duties, and activities that make up a job
a) is an alternative to job analysis that focuses on a broader set of characteristics that workers need to effectively perform job duties
69. A compressed workweek: a) often produces higher levels of job satisfaction among employees b) assures an employer higher levels of productivity c) decreases absenteeism d) is well suited for organizations with the Free Agent strategy
a) often produces higher levels of job satisfaction among employees
59. A major goal of job design is: a) to differentiate and integrate work in ways that produce productivity and job satisfaction b) to allow employees to specialize in specific tasks c) to produce greater job satisfaction d) to create generalists
a) to differentiate and integrate work in ways that produce productivity and job satisfaction
42. Individuals and teams tend to benefit from sequential processes: a) when work activities can be broken into small tasks that do not change b) when activities are complex c) when activities require mental rather than physical inputs d) when activities require physical rather than mental inputs
a) when work activities can be broken into small tasks that do not change
65. Ergonomics is most likely to be emphasized under which approach to job design? a) Perspective approach b) Biological approach c) Work design approach d) Motivational approach
b) Biological approach
53. ABC Business has asked employees and supervisors to provide statements about important situations and actions and to describe behaviors that are particularly helpful or harmful for accomplishing work. Which job analysis technique is being used by ABC? a) Task analysis inventory b) Critical-incidents technique c) Job specification method d) Job analysis observation method
b) Critical-incidents technique
48. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using the incumbent as the source for job analysis information? a) There are not disadvantages b) It can result in emphasis on what is done rather than what should be done on the job c) A job analysis interview must be conducted d) The incumbent knows specifics about how the job is done in that organization only
b) It can result in emphasis on what is done rather than what should be done on the job
50. Which of the following are outcomes of job analysis? a) Job descriptions and job analysis salary scales b) Job descriptions and job specifications c) Job specifications and job analysis salary scales d) Job analysis salary scales
b) Job descriptions and job specifications
68. Which of the following is NOT true of flextime? a) Flextime is most useful for organizations pursuing a differentiation strategy b) A primary benefit from flextime is increased satisfaction among workers c) Flextime is most consistent with the biological approach to job design d) Flextime is associated to some extent with higher productivity
c) Flextime is most consistent with the biological approach to job design
54. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ)? a) It is useful across many different types of jobs b) The information concerns worker characteristics rather than tasks c) It is very useful for creating job descriptions d) Results can be compared across jobs that are quite different
c) It is very useful for creating job descriptions
58. What is the process of determining what tasks will be grouped together to form employee jobs? a) Job analysis b) Position Analysis Questionnaire c) Job design d) Competency modeling
c) Job design
55. _____ focus attention on knowledge, skills, and abilities, and _______ focus on duties and what is to be done. a) Job duties; job specifications b) Job analysis; job duties c) Job specifications; job description d) Job description; job specifications
c) Job specifications; job description
61. Which HR strategy benefits from the mechanistic approach to job design? a) Loyal Soldier and Committed Expert b) Committed Expert and Free Agent c) Loyal Soldier and Bargain Laborer d) Free Agent and Bargain Laborer
c) Loyal Soldier and Bargain Laborer
52. Which of the following is a method of collecting job analysis information from job agents that includes the frequency or time spent on task and the importance of job tasks? a) Job analysis observation b) Job specifications c) Task analysis inventory d) Critical incident method
c) Task analysis inventory
38. Which situation described below would benefit from high levels of autonomy? a) An employee at Starbucks who makes the company's signature coffee drinks b) An employee at McDonalds who makes sandwiches and French fires c) The cook at an eclectic and exclusive five star restaurant d) An employee at UPS responsible for packing and unpacking trucks carrying items shipped UPS
c) The cook at an eclectic and exclusive five star restaurant
39. Workers with high autonomy: a) work well where coordination is required b) will excel in an assembly line context c) can adapt to changing conditions and effectively meet the needs of customers d) are likely to be paid extra to complete additional assignments to better serve customers
c) can adapt to changing conditions and effectively meet the needs of customers
45. Job analysis is important for all of the reasons below EXCEPT: a) it helps establish what is expected of workers b) outcomes from job analysis help managers in the selection process c) it is one of the best motivators of employees d) outcomes from job analysis help plan training programs for employees
c) it is one of the best motivators of employees
47. The Occupational Information Network, O*Net: a) is not applicable outside the United States b) is a resource for job agents c) was developed by the U.S. department of labor as a source of information about jobs and careers d) is a resource for competency models
c) was developed by the U.S. department of labor as a source of information about jobs and careers
44. Which of the following is NOT true of organizations using the differentiation HR strategies? a) They use either the Committed Expert or Free Agent HR strategy b) Managers closely oversee work and are the experts for determining the best methods for accomplishing tasks c) These organizations focus on innovation d) Close interaction between workers using reciprocal processes allows them to help each other and learn new things
d) Close interaction between workers using reciprocal processes allows them to help each other and learn new things
37. Which of the following statements is NOT true about autonomy? a) Autonomy concerns the extent to which individual workers are given the freedom and independence to plan and carry out work tasks b) A benefit of autonomy is increased motivation c) People with more autonomy feel more responsibility for their work d) High autonomy is desirable for all workers
d) High autonomy is desirable for all workers
49. Which of the following is NOT true about job analysis? a) Men and women identify different information about their jobs, even when they are performing the same job b) Information provided by job incumbents who are highly experienced is different from information provided by recently hired incumbents c) Minority and non-minority incumbents respond differently in job analysis information gathering d) Incumbents and supervisors generally provide the same information about a particular position
d) Incumbents and supervisors generally provide the same information about a particular position
41. Reciprocal processing: a) Is most appropriate in a manufacturing context b) Is organized around an assembly line such that the completed tasks of one employee feed directly into the tasks of another employee c) Is the extent to which a worker's actions affect and are affected by the actions of others d) Is work organized around teams such that workers constantly adjust to the task inputs of others.
d) Is work organized around teams such that workers constantly adjust to the task inputs of others.
40. In an assembly line situation, which type of interdependence works best? a) Any type of interdependence will improve productivity b) Reciprocal processing works best c) Differentiated interdependence works best d) Sequential processing interdependence works best
d) Sequential processing interdependence works best
62. Which of the following is NOT true of the motivational approach to job design? a) Organizational psychology principles are used to design work b) This approach seeks to increase employees' enjoyment at work c) This approach seeks to increase employee effort at work d) Work is simplified as much as possible
d) Work is simplified as much as possible
67. Conflict between work and family roles presents problems for employers for all the reasons below EXCEPT: a) it increases absenteeism and turnover b) it can result in decreased job satisfaction c) it can result in increased substance abuse d) it can result in more requests for flexible schedules
d) it can result in more requests for flexible schedules
70. All the following statements are true about telework EXCEPT: a) employees who are independent and conscientious are most likely to succeed with telework b) employees are most likely to succeed with telework after they have spent time working in the office c) employees are most likely to succeed with telework if they have had to prove themselves "worthy" of the opportunity to work at home by first performing in the office setting d) telework is consistent with the biological approach to job design
d) telework is consistent with the biological approach to job design