HR Exam 1

A company that produces air-conditioning units for domestic use has 750 permanent employees working in different departments. If the company gets involved in a case of intentional employee discrimination, what is the maximum amount of punitive damages it would have to pay under the Civil Rights Act of 1991?

$300,000

A tire manufacturing company decides to hire 35 employees for its new servicing branch. A total of 90 eligible applicants apply for the job, of which 40 are Black and 50 are White. Assuming that the company decides to hire 10 Blacks and 25 Whites, what can be inferred using the four-fifths rule?

0.5 and 0.8; this indicates that there is evidence of discrimination.

Kennedy Signs Equal Pay Act

1963

$1.60 (Highest Ever in Terms of PurchasingPower)

1968

$7.25 (31st time raised)

2009

NY and California $15hr

2016

D.C. and 29 States Have a Minimum WageABOVE US

2019

Due to State Actions Effective MinimumWage is $11.80

2021

There were Minimum Wage Increase in 26States

2022

20 States @ $7.25

2025

NY-$16.50 Conneticut-$16.35 Cali $16.50

2025

After filing a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or other governmental agency, how long will an individual have to wait before having the right to sue in federal court?

60 days

Which scenario demonstrates a violation of the right of freedom of conscience in a workplace environment?

A supervisor coerces an employee to use unsafe practices to keep a project on schedule.

Executive Branch

And regulatory agencies implement the laws, Department of Labor, State Organizations

A chemicals manufacturer with a large research and development team is searching for new alternatives to gasoline. Because it develops new chemicals and is constantly innovating, the Department of Labor cannot possibly keep up with specific safety and health standards for its workplace. Some of the managers are asking the human resource manager if that means they don't have to bother trying to comply with all the OSHA regulations. What should the HR manager recommend?

Be constantly alert for potential sources of harm and correct them.

Economic benefits of tariffs

By reducing reliance on foreign imports, tariffs help decrease the trade deficit., More domestic production leads to higher wages and job creation, Tariff revenue can be reinvested in American infrastructure and workforce development.

A publishing company conducted an internal survey on employee satisfaction. The results indicated that a majority of its support staff considered their jobs to be monotonous. In order to change this, management decided to combine the job duties of copyeditors, digital fact checkers, and bloggers into a single job that requires all three kinds of work. Which technique of job design did this move constitute?

job extension

Identify the method that breaks down jobs into basic elements to rate them for their potential for harm or injury.

job hazard analysis technique

The new type of psychological contract has resulted in reduced

job security.

A cereal manufacturing company is hiring for the position of marketing manager for its new division. Quentin, the HR manager, considers the requirements of the job, including the necessary knowledge, level of proficiency, abilities, and other personality traits, such as persistence or motivation to achieve. Which document includes these considerations to help Quentin in selecting a candidate?

job specification

What is the most common reason why U.S. organizations hire employees in foreign countries?

low cost of labor in foreign countries

According to Herzberg's two-factor theory, which factor would motivate individuals the most?

meaningfulness of a job

What is a core value of the total quality management process?

measuring an employee's progress based on data

Riley is a computer engineer. He occasionally works for Sports Dollars Incorporated, a sports betting company; however, he only works for the organization when he is needed. Riley would be classified as a(n)

on-call worker.

Short and Sweet, a hair products company, assigns the packaging and labeling of its products to a firm that specializes in packaging and labeling other companies' products. Which HRM practice is Short and Sweet using in this scenario?

outsourcing

Lazer Fast, a producer of printer cartridges, provides door-to-door delivery of its products. The company partners with a packaging company for transporting its goods to the customers. This is an example of

outsourcing.

The practice of having another company provide services is known as

outsourcing.

A consulting firm equips all of its employees with laptop computers, which they use at their desks and carry to client meetings. What ergonomic challenge is most likely to result from employees using these devices throughout the day?

physical strain to wrists from improper positioning for typing

In an attempt to motivate its current employees and to attract skilled professionals, Morrison Metals Inc. decides to increase salaries as well as year-end bonuses for its best performers. Which HR function is demonstrated in this scenario?

planning and administering pay and benefits

Managing cultural diversity involves

providing benefits such as day care and senior care.

The management of Breakfast Bar Incorporated expects its employees to be enthusiastic about their work by seeking training, working long hours, initiating better work procedures, and maintaining a sound balance between professional life and personal life. In return, the employees expect management to arrange for better incentives, flexible work schedules, and increased authority to execute their tasks. This scenario is an example of a(n)

psychological contract.

An HR manager wants to design jobs that do not exceed the mental capabilities and limitations of employees. To do so, he would most likely have to

reduce the information-processing requirements of a job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

responsible for enforcing most EEO laws. It investigates and resolves complaints, gathers information, and issues guidelines. (Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Equal Pay Act of 1963)

Which of Kant's basic human rights is violated when a supervisor requires an employee to do something that is unsafe or environmentally damaging, in spite of the employee clearly objecting to the order?

right of freedom of conscience

The process by which an organization attempts to identify applicants with the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics that will help the organization achieve its goals is referred to as

selection

the growth in e-commerce and the information economy has led to an increase in the demand for employees in

service occupations.

According to the Equal Pay Act of 1963, men and women performing the same job cannot have differences in pay on the basis of

sex.

An organization's ability to profit without depleting its resources, including employees, natural resources, and the support of the surrounding community, is called

sustainability.

What are tariffs?

taxes imposed on imported goods., They increase the cost of foreign products, making domestic goods more competitive. Governments use tariffs to protect domestic industries from overseas competition.

Bryce is a marketing manager for a magazine publishing company. In addition to his regular marketing duties, Bryce works in tandem with his co-workers to schedule work, select new team members, and coordinate printing tasks. This style of work is best described as

teamwork.

What is the primary professional organization for HRM that provides education and information services, and is also the world's largest human resource management association?

the Society for Human Resource Management

A company applies research into electrical engineering to create advanced lighting and security systems for the manufacturing industry. Its research department attracts some of the most talented professionals in these disciplines, each with a passion for his or her specialty. Next year, the position of vice president of research will be vacant, so the executive team is working with the HR department to define selection criteria for a new vice president. Given the company's structure, which quality will be important for the new vice president to possess?

the ability to align researchers' work with the company's strategy

According to the Job Characteristics Model, what is task identity?

the degree to which a job requires completing a "whole" piece of work from beginning to end

The new production manager at a dishwasher manufacturing company, Rob, notices that the production unit has been underperforming. In an attempt to streamline the existing work flow, Rob brings in an HR specialist to help him conduct a work flow analysis. Rob describes to the specialist the outputs required. What will the HR specialist have Rob define next?

the work processes used to make the dishwashers

A human resource professional of a company exhibits the competency of business acumen when he or she

uses information to support the organization's strategy.

According to the affirmative-action plan required by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which term refers to a comparison of the composition of the employer's workforce with that of the available labor supply?

utilization analysis

When Belton Manufacturing experienced a slowdown in sales, it laid off the two factory employees with the poorest on-time record. One of the employees sued the company, saying it should have laid off the most recently hired workers. What defense would Belton Manufacturing most likely offer?

The layoffs were instances of employment at will.

The specific ways in which human resource professionals support an organization's strategy vary according to

The specific ways in which human resource professionals support an organization's strategy vary according to

Starck Consulting is a business consulting firm. The departments in the organization are based on the functions carried out by employees, such as customer service, marketing, tech support, and business consulting. Which statement is most likely true of the organizational structure of Starck Consulting?

The workers have low authority.

Which statement about competency models is accurate?

They help HR professionals ensure that all aspects of talent management are aligned with an organization's strategy.

How do human resources professionals provide an organization with a sustainable competitive advantage?

They hire high-quality employees who provide a needed service as they perform many critical functions.

Employees in a company's accounting department work 10 hours a day for 4 days a week, while employees in the other departments work 8 hours a day for 5 days a week. The flexible work schedule option affecting the accounting department is known as

a compressed workweek.

low cost of labor in foreign countries

a display of how the company is performing on specific HR metrics

The process of getting detailed information about jobs is referred to as

a job analysis.

The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals who

are severely disfigured.

Sanjay is the human resource manager at Platinum Corp. He clearly understands the company's strategy. He has a solid understanding of business principles, and he applies these to help the HR department contribute to the company's success. This scenario indicates that Sanjay has competency in the area of

business acumen.

Tariffs real world impact

Case Study: The 2018 tariffs on Chinese goods led to increased investment in U.S. manufacturing. Some industries, such as automotive and electronics, have seen companies reconsider offshoring strategies. While tariffs may increase consumer prices, they promote long-term economic security and job growth

Impact on business for increasing minimum wage

Challenges for Employers, Increased Operating Costs, Many small businesses operate on thin profit margins, and wage hikes can threaten their viability, Rising Prices, Businesses often pass increased costs to consumers, leading to higher prices for goods and services, Competitive Disadvantages, States with higher minimum wages may lose businesses to neighboring states with lower wage requirements.

Industry Adaptations and Long-Term Implications of Immigration

Increased investment in automation (self-checkouts, kiosks, AI-powered customer service).Potential outsourcing of jobs (e.g., customer service roles moving abroad).Possible shifts in immigration policy if economic pressures become unsustainable. Long-term changes in service industry employment structures and business models.

Which statement accurately represents the Americans with Disabilities Act?

It goes beyond prohibiting discrimination to require that employers take steps to accommodate individuals covered under the legislation.

What is the legal basis for considering sexual harassment to be illegal discrimination?

It is a form of sexual discrimination.

Economic Consequences for increasing minimum wage

Job Losses, Higher labor costs may lead to layoffs, automation, or hiring freezes, particularly in small businesses, Reduced Opportunities for Entry-Level Workers, Higher wages may reduce positions for inexperienced or low-skilled workers, Economic Disparities Between Regions, Uniform wage increases fail to account for cost-of-living differences across urban and rural areas.

What is a basic difference between job specifications and job descriptions?

Job descriptions look at a job's activities, and job specifications look at the qualities needed to do the job.

Sanjay has worked for an insulation manufacturing company for the past 10 years. Recently, he and the other workers have developed minor respiratory problems. They confronted management demanding proper ventilation at the factory because inhaling fumes from the production of the insulation continuously could prove fatal. If management does not respond to their demands, they could sue the company under the

Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Retaliation from other countries (Tariffs)

Other countries may impose counter-tariffs, making it harder for U.S.companies to sell products abroad

The HR manager at a coal processing plant in Tennessee with 75 employees received a call saying that an OSHA inspector had arrived at the facility. What can she expect the company will need to do first?

Provide the inspector with records of any deaths, injuries, and illnesses.

Which observation about reengineering is true?

Rapidly changing customer needs and technologies necessitate reengineering

Which statement about Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is true?

The act applies to organizations with 15 or more employees.

Omicron is a company that develops systems to help businesses with inventory control. Their software performs multiple business functions, including tracking orders, processing transportation requests, and managing performance evaluation reports. The software is hosted on a remote server maintained by Omicron, and client businesses can access it online. Which technology is Omicron using to perform the computing tasks for other businesses?

cloud computing

Geoff works in the human resource department at Omicron Corp. His chief responsibilities include administering salaries, determining incentives, managing group insurance, and employee vacation and leave. Which HRM function is being performed by Geoff?

compensation and benefits

A nationwide appliance company announced the opening of a new unit for the manufacturing division. Gina, the HR manager, was asked to help determine what employees they will need to hire. She begins by defining how the work will be performed and what tasks will be required in each job. Gina is participating in job

design.

Which HR function involves offering programs through which employees acquire knowledge, skills, and behavior that improve their ability to meet the challenges of a variety of new or existing jobs, including the client and customer demands of those jobs?

development

Legislative branch

develops and enacts laws, Fair Labor Standards Act (Congress), Office of Federal Contract ComplianceProcedures (President)

Identify the condition in which most of the debate focuses on discriminatory consequences and the plaintiff need not prove an employer's intent to discriminate.

disparate impact

What is responsible for the shift in the job trend toward the use of broadly defined jobs instead of the use of narrowly defined jobs in organizations?

emphasis on innovation and quality

Maria, an employee at Helium Corp., develops and distributes newsclips on the company's intranet that announce upcoming events in the company. Which human resource management practice is being performed by Maria?

employee relations

Tia, a production manager, works with a human resource consultant to design a new work flow for the production unit. Together they define the necessary inputs. These include raw materials, information, human resources, and

equipment.

The manager of a small fabric store introduces a short conveyor belt that allows customers to place items on it prior to checking out. This saves the cashier from the physical strain of bending forward and reaching into the carts to retrieve the items. This change is an example of the __________blank approach to job design.

ergonomic

What is one way in which the executive branch helps create the legal environment for human resource management?

filing suit against violators of equal opportunity laws

An advertising firm requires its employees to be at work between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. This work rule allows employees to work additional hours before or after the time period in order to work the full day. Identify the job design method implemented in this scenario.

flextime

Molly opened a small business that manufactures candles and incense burners. She trains her 15 employees carefully, and after two years, no employee has experienced an on-the-job injury or illness. Under the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, what must Molly post in the workplace?

form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses

Mario heads the human resource team at a marketing firm with a diverse group of employees in three countries. He has knowledge about the cultures of the employees and applies that knowledge to build cooperation and resolve conflicts. He appreciates that all her employees bring different strengths to the company, and Mario helps to foster a climate in which all are encouraged to contribute. This scenario illustrates Mario's competency in the area of

global and cultural effectiveness.

What is one of the four principles that guides how ethical companies act?

have a sense of purpose or vision that employees value and use

Judicial branch

hears cases on employment

A regional manager for an automobile company in the United States decides to use industrial engineering to redesign a manufacturing job. Following its successful implementation, which outcome should he expect?

increased efficiency

The external labor market consists of

individuals who are actively seeking employment.

The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was introduced to enhance employment opportunity for

individuals with disabilities.

A home flooring design firm based in Tennessee has a team of designers working closely with manufacturers to create laminate, tile, and wood floor products. In the context of a work flow analysis, the designers, manufacturers, and flooring required to provide home flooring design services collectively constitute

inputs.

Nash works at Keep it Clean, an environmentally conscious office cleaning company. He works as a social media analyst, primarily focusing on understanding the tastes and needs of the customers. He achieves this by regularly interacting with customers through various promotional activities and events through social media sites, and then building databases that help the company better develop eco-friendly cleaning processes that appeal to their client base. This implies that Nash

is a knowledge worker.

Brett's manager asked him to create a list of the tasks, duties, and responsibilities that the new job being created in their department would entail. In other words, the manager wants a(n)

job description.

Collective Analytics is a small company that analyzes data for insurance companies in the metropolitan area where it is located. Derek's position involved keeping track of customer turnaround times and reporting. After Derek retired, the company hired another individual to perform the same tasks. Soon afterward, however, the company's owner began hearing from frustrated customers complaining that when they called the company with questions and problems, no one was taking responsibility and helping them as Derek had. What problem with the process is most likely to have occurred when Derek left?

Derek took on customer service duties, but the job description didn't reflect the change.

Economic Benefits of a Higher Minimum Wage

Increased Consumer Spending, Higher wages give workers more disposable income, boosting local businesses., Reduced Government Assistance, Fewer workers reliant on public assistance programs, reducing taxpayer burden., Stimulating Job Growth, Higher demand for goods and services leads to job creation in local economies.

Alternatives to Raising Minimum Wages

Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC)• Direct support for low-income workers without burdening employers, Job Training and Education Programs, Equip workers with skills for higher-paying jobs instead of relying on wage mandates, Targeted Support for High-Cost Areas, Focus on policies tailored to areas with higher costs of living, rather than blanket wage increases.

HRM is regulated by three branches of government

Executive, legislative, judicial

Jaxon, the director of operations, strongly believes that human resource management (HRM) is critical to the success of organizations. Stephanie, the CFO of the organization, opposes Jaxon's view because she thinks HRM is an unnecessary expense for the company. Which statement weakens Stephanie's belief?

HRM is indispensable for building a competitive advantage.

Increased Business Costs and Consumer Prices (Immigration

Higher wages mean increased operating costs for businesses. Businesses may pass these costs to consumers through higher prices. Some companies may reduce hours, services, or automate jobs to offset labor shortages.

Identify the correct statement regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

If an OSHA violation results in citations, an employer must post each citation in a prominent place near the location of the violation.

In which example is disparate treatment considered legal?

In a shopping mall, only female workers are employed to clean the women's restroom.

Importance of Immigrant Labor in Service Industries

Service industries (hospitality, food service, retail, healthcare, and maintenance) rely heavily on immigrant workers. Immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce, especially in low-wage, high-demand jobs. Many roles require physical labor and have historically faced domestic worker shortages.

The Case for Increasing the Minimum Wage

Stagnant Wages vs. Rising Costs of Living, The federal minimum wage in the U.S. has remained at $7.25/hour since 2009., Inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power., Widening Income Inequality, Disparities between the lowest-paid workers and top earners continue to grow, Poverty and Financial Insecurity, Millions of full-time workers earn below the poverty line, struggling to afford basic needs

Labor Shortages and Rising Wages (Immigration)

Stricter immigration policies reduce the available labor pool, making it harder to fill positions. Labor shortages lead to higher wages as businesses compete for fewer workers. Example: Hospitality and restaurant industries already struggle with labor gaps post-pandemic.

Which statement is correct about the HR responsibilities of supervisors?

Supervisors typically have responsibilities related to all the HR functions

How tariffs increase costs

Tariffs raise the price of imported materials, increasing production costs for American businesses. Companies that rely on global supply chains (e.g., automotive and technology industries) may struggle to absorb these costs. Higher prices for consumers can reduce demand, ultimately affecting job growth.

What is one consequence of teamwork?

Team members contribute to quality and assume many activities traditionally reserved for managers.

Donna is the manager of the accounting division at a manufacturing company. She wants to initiate a teamwork system because she believes it will improve the performance of the division. Which statement provides valid support for Donna's idea?

Teamwork makes work motivating for employees and helps reduce labor costs.

Marcus is an introvert. Ever since he started work as an accountant at the financial institution in the city, he has felt isolated from others and is angry that no one ever comes to his desk to discuss matters with him because he is too intimidated to join them in meetings. He tried suing the company under the Americans with Disabilities Act, arguing that the company discriminates against individuals who cannot perform major life activities. Which statement would weaken Marcus's argument?

The ADA does not cover conditions related to personality traits.

Hello, Inc., a cell phone manufacturer, purchases Power Up, a company that produces cell phone chargers. This scenario exemplifies

an acquisition.

When Worries Behind, a travel insurance company, decided to introduce new goals for its internal management, there was a rift regarding what should be implemented. Group A emphasized short-term goals that would benefit the company, while Group B believed in introducing policies that would create more mutually beneficial relationships with client businesses, such as major airlines. Which result would prove Group B's decision to be ideal?

an increase of airline customers purchasing Worries Behind insurance