HRM final 2
A religious organization is excluded from the coverage of the Civil Rights Act.
"F" T?
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act created the: Select one: a. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). b. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). c. Justice Department (JD). d. Equal Rights Compliance Agency (ERCA).
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Which of the following is one of the largest expenditures of service companies? Select one: a. Labor costs b. Distribution costs c. Marketing costs d. Production costs
Labor costs
Employees may not believe that their compensation is tied to effort and performance, and they may not be able to differentiate between merit pay and other types of pay increases.
T
Employees today are less likely to define success in terms of financial gain. Select one: True False
T
Ninety percent of all fatal work injuries involve workers in private industries.
T
Strategic human resources management (SHRM) is a combination of strategic planning and HR planning.
T
Succession planning is the process of identifying, developing, and tracking talented individuals so that they may eventually assume top-level positions.
T
The employment-at-will doctrine states that either employees or their employers may terminate the employment relationship for any reason.
T
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects those who file charges against an employer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from retaliation by the employer.
T
Women and minority groups are referred to as protected classes.
T
One of the best ways to communicate the business needs to employees is to show them the gap between the organization's current performance and capabilities and where it needs to be in the future.
T
At the fundamental level, a firm's strategy should focus on creating value for: Select one: a. customers. b. resellers. c. subordinates. d. suppliers.
customers.
A pension plan that establishes the basis on which an employer will contribute to a pension plan is referred to as a: Select one: a. noncontributory plan. b. defined-benefit plan. c. contributory plan. d. defined-contribution plan.
defined-contribution plan.
Managers have to find ways to empower employees and encourage their participation and involvement to more fully utilize human capital because: Select one: a. managers want to avoid competing through people. b. employee skills often go unused. c. firms are moving away from team-based structures. d. employees are required to cut down on administrative costs.
employee skills often go unused.
A 35-year-old applicant who is denied employment based upon age may file a claim under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act if the organization hired a 21-year-old.
f
Benchmarking is concerned with measuring employee retention of training materials at specific points in time.
f
Job specifications describe the duties, tasks, and responsibilities performed on the job and therefore play a key role in performance appraisal.
f
There is reason to believe that pay secrecy can do all of the following EXCEPT: Select one: a. generate feelings of commitment. b. reduce employee motivation. c. generate distrust in the compensation system. d. inhibit organizational effectiveness.
generate feelings of commitment.
Person analysis: Select one: a. helps organizations avoid the mistake of sending all employees into training when some do not need it. b. examines the external labor market for needed skills. c. helps organizations in reviewing the job description and specifications to identify the task performed. d. involves self-improvement and self-directed training.
helps organizations avoid the mistake of sending all employees into training when some do not need it.
When dealing with stress, having too much to do in too short as time is known as: Select one: a. high effort. b. low reward. c. low control. d. high demand.
high demand.
Managers are concerned that the expertise of employees will be rapidly drained from their companies because: Select one: a. large portions of American workers are nearing retirement. b. recruitment of minorities is increasing. c. older workers are increasing behaving like free agents. d. older workers' are becoming more resistant to flexible work hour
large portions of American workers are nearing retirement.
The Family and Medical Leave Act: Select one: a. preempts state laws under all circumstances. b. applies to employers having 10 or more employees during 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding year. c. requires the employer to provide up to 24 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for certain family and medical reasons. d. mandates continuation of medical coverage.
mandates continuation of medical coverage.
Employees covered by the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act are labeled: Select one: a. nonexempt employees. b. protected workers. c. exempt employees. d. salaried workers.
nonexempt employees.
The business practice of sending jobs to other countries is referred to as: Select one: a. outplacement. b. offshoring. c. employee leasing. d. outsourcing.
offshoring.
Compressed workweeks are a problem because the Fair Labor Standards Act requires the payment of overtime to regular employees who work more than: Select one: a. 40 hours in a week. b. 8 hours in a day. c. 10 hours in a day. d. five days a week.
40 hours in a week.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about _____ of people over 55 now participate in the labor force. Select one: a. 75 percent b. 55 percent c. 40 percent d. 15 percent
40 percent
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits specific employers from discriminating against persons who are: Select one: a. between 25 to 30 years. b. below 35 years of age. c. 40 years of age or older. d. below 28 years of age.
40 years of age or older.
A popular plan that offers employees an opportunity to save through payroll deductions and have their contributions matched by the employer is known as the: Select one: a. 401(k) plan. b. ERISA benefit plan. c. tax reduction plan. d. Individual Retirement Plan
401(k) plan.
A Duke study found that morbidly obese workers file ____ more workers' compensation claims and take longer to recover from injuries. Select one: a. 25 percent b. 45 percent c. 65 percent d. 85 percent
45 percent
study by Duke University researchers who examined the records of nearly 12,000 university employees found that obese employees experienced medical costs that were more than _____ times higher than those of non-obese workers Select one: a. four b. five c. two d. three
five
When dealing with stress, having to expend too much mental or physical energy over too long a period of time is known as: Select one: a. low control. b. high demand. c. low reward. d. high effort.
high effort.
A behavioral description interview is more effective than a situational interview for: Select one: a. lower-level positions. b. higher-level positions. c. recent college graduates. d. first line supervisors.
higher-level positions.
Termination meetings should be held: Select one: a. at the employee's work station. b. in the manager's office. c. in the parking lot or outside the employer's premises. d. in a neutral location, such as a conference room
in a neutral location, such as a conference room
Job evaluation helps to establish: Select one: a. internal equity. b. labor market conditions that affect pay. c. job classifications. d. the organization's ability to pay.
internal equity.
Interviews as a method of selection are popular for all of the following reasons EXCEPT: Select one: a. interviewers have faith in their ability to make selection judgments. b. interviews are the most valid method of selection. c. interviews are practical for dealing with a small number of applicants. d. interviews function as a public relations tool.
interviews are the most valid method of selection.
The mission of a company: Select one: a. is the strong enduring belief used by the company to make decisions. b. is used for the systematic monitoring of its external opportunities. c. provides a perspective on where the company is headed. d. is the basic purpose of the company.
is the basic purpose of the company.
An organizational structure: Select one: a. is the framework in which activities of employees are coordinated. b. is the formal procedure that governs every day activity. c. is used to increase employee turnover rate. d. lays out the route that the organization will take in the future to increase absenteeism.
is the framework in which activities of employees are coordinated.
A major problem of employee stock ownership plans is that: Select one: a. it places employees' pensions at risk. b. motivation of employees is rarely achieved. c. employees view it as a form of management control. d. it can be damaging to the financial well-being of an organization.
it places employees' pensions at risk.
Before firing an employee, employers should apply the: Select one: a. principles of just cause. b. rules of fair employment. c. standards of employment conduct. d. policies of equity and responsibility.
principles of just cause.
Listening, accepting, and responding to feelings are essential elements of the _____ performance evaluation format. Select one: a. tell-and-sell b. problem-solving c. tell-and-listen d. tell-and-develop
problem-solving
Discipline programs designed to motivate an employee to correct his or her misconduct voluntarily are known as: Select one: a. progressive discipline programs. b. respect-discipline programs. c. hot-stove programs. d. step help programs.
progressive discipline programs.
The strategic vision of a company: Select one: a. is the strong enduring belief used by the company to make decisions. b. is used for the systematic monitoring of its external opportunities. c. is the basic purpose of the company. d. provides a perspective on where the company is headed.
provides a perspective on where the company is headed.
job enrichment is touted as helping employees with: Select one: a. employment security. b. dissatisfaction with benefits. c. dissatisfaction with pay. d. self-esteem and job satisfaction.
self-esteem and job satisfaction.
Goal setting: Select one: a. sets a road map for the training program, its objectives, and its learning points. b. sets a road map for breaking down tasks to facilitate modelling. c. provides a real life demonstration to get the message across. d. provides learning through repetition.
sets a road map for the training program, its objectives, and its learning points.
The requirements for federal contractors to take steps to ensure a drug-free workplace is found in: Select one: a. the Toxic Substances Control Act. b. the Occupational Safety and Health Act. c. the Executive Order 11246. d. the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
A major concern of executive compensation involves: Select one: a. the amount of compensation. b. timing of the bonus. c. lack of perquisites. d. lack of objective market data.
the amount of compensation.
An appraisal system that allows each individual to see clearly how his or her performance ties into the overall performance of the firm is: Select one: a. the customer-oriented approach. b. the balanced scorecard approach. c. the 360-degree evaluation. d. management by objectives.
the balanced scorecard approach.
A factor that appears to have influenced the growth of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) legislation is: Select one: a. the changing attitudes of society at large. b. an influx of illegal immigrants. c. the post-war baby boom. d. a shortage of qualified labor.
the changing attitudes of society at large
A job evaluation system that seeks to measure a job's worth through its value to the organization is known as: Select one: a. the point system. b. work valuation. c. job classification. d. job ranking.
work valuation.
The HR policies are generally proposed by the senior executives of an organization to the HR managers, who actually issue them.
F
The Social Security program is funded by a tax paid by an employer, based on an employee's earnings.
F
To minimize the negative effects of computer use, the monitor should be placed at an angle view, above a user's line of sight.
F
Women now account for slightly more than half of the American workforce.
F
Family-friendly practices include offering flexible hours, telecommuting, and job sharing.
T
Generation Y employees are less likely to be concerned with having pensions than Baby Boomers.
T
In an environment of shared information, the richest communication occurs face to face.
T
Managers group similar jobs into a pay grade in order to help with the setting of wages for all jobs.
T
Merit pay plans have been criticized because the merit increase may not be sufficient to raise all employees' base pay.
T
Methods of reducing labor costs include downsizing, outsourcing, and employee leasing.
T
Most companies require their employees to either take their vacation days by the end of the year or forfeit them.
T
The principal reason guiding executive stock options as an incentive is for senior managers to have a significant stake in the success of a business.
T
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or age.
T
Workers eligible for unemployment benefits must submit an application for unemployment compensation with their state employment agencies, register for available work, and be willing to accept any suitable employment that may be offered to them.
T
In which type of appraisal interview does the interviewer communicate the strong and weak points of an employee's performance during the first part of the interview and then explore the employee's feelings about the appraisal in the second part? Select one: a. Problem-solving b. Tell-and-sell c. Tell-and-listen d. Tell-and-develop
Tell-and-listen
The elements of a job such as skills, efforts, responsibilities, and working conditions are referred to as: Select one: a. job classification factors. b. job specifications. c. factor comparisons. d. compensable factors
compensable factors
A coach who recruits a basketball player who has superb shooting skills but lacks ball-handling and defensive skills is employing a _____ selection decision model. Select one: a. multiple hurdle b. multiple cut-off c. clinical d. compensatory
compensatory
A disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 can be defined by all of the following EXCEPT: Select one: a. being regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. b. having a record of physical or mental impairment. c. a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major activities. d. conditions caused due to the demands of the work environment
conditions caused due to the demands of the work environment
Federal government employees can usually be expected to be paid for ____ holidays a year. Select one: a. 10 b. 24 c. 15 d. 20
10
Individuals can receive Social Security benefits as early as age: Select one: a. 62. b. 65. c. 67. d. 58.
62.
Globalization is of interest to _____ companies. Select one: a. all types b. only large c. service d. consumer product
all types of Correct
Flexible benefit plans: Select one: a. are favored by employers because they reduce administration costs. b. are offered to employees who then must purchase each benefit they select. c. result in wasted benefits because of the number of different types available to employees. d. allow employees to choose benefits suited to their needs.
allow employees to choose benefits suited to their needs.
Some organizations fail to make the connection between training and _____. Select one: a. an organization's goals b. technology c. an organization's functional requirements d. competition
an organization's goals
hen setting performance measures for incentive systems, we can say that the best measures are those that: Select one: a. are qualitative, flexible, and create competition between employees. b. reduce administrative costs, determine rewards based only on quantity, and reward only exceptional employees. c. allow employers to "ratchet up" standards and base rewards on qualitative standards. d. are quantitative, simple to understand, and show a clear relationship to improved performance.
are quantitative, simple to understand, and show a clear relationship to improved performance.
During the selection procedure, an applicant may be rejected: Select one: a. after completing the application blank. b. after selection test results are received. c. after the preliminary interview. d. at any step in the procedure
at any step in the procedure
Collapsing many salary grades into a few wide salary bands is known as: Select one: a. broadbanding. b. red circling. c. factor comparison. d. pay ranging.
broadbanding.
The success of the Lincoln Electric Company profit-sharing plan rests largely on: Select one: a. economics of the review period. b. contributions by employees. c. objective standards. d. comparison data between departments.
contributions by employees.
A pension plan where contributions are made jointly by employees and employers is referred to as a: Select one: a. noncontributory plan. b. defined-contribution plan. c. defined-benefit plan. d. contributory plan
contributory plan
The examination of the attitudes and activities of a company's workforce is done using: Select one: a. environmental scanning. b. cultural audit. c. trend analysis. d. behavioral modeling.
cultural audit.
Employees who earn performance-based pay are more _____. Select one: a. cynical b. mobile c. educated d. satisfied
satisfied
Holiday pay, sick leave, and vacation pay are examples of: Select one: a. benefits required by law. b. payment for time not worked. c. unearned benefits. d. categories of health care benefits.
payment for time not worked.
Orientation programs stress the "why" rather than the "what", including the philosophy behind the organization's rules.
t
A job analysis method by which important job tasks are identified for job success is known as: Select one: a. the position analysis questionnaire system. b. the critical incident method. c. functional job analysis. d. task inventory analysis.
the critical incident method.
Research shows that a merit increase in the range of _____ is necessary to serve as a pay motivator. Select one: a. 11 to 13 percent b. 3 to 5 percent c. 7 to 9 percent d. 15 to 17 percent
7 to 9 percent
A portion of the payroll taxes is paid by workers and matched by their employers. In 2011, workers and their employers each paid _____ percent on every dollar of salary or wages paid. Select one: a. 1.60 b. 1.45 c. 1.15 d. 1.30
1.45
ESOPs can qualify as tax-exempt employee trusts under section _____ of the Internal Revenue Code. Select one: a. 407(k) b. 402(a) c. 401(a) d. 457(k)
401(a)
Which of the following is NOT a component of the Consumer Price Index? Select one: a. Transportation fares b. Clothing c. Automobiles d. Charges for medical services
Automobiles
Which of the following includes the different types of diversity training? Select one: a. Conventional and non-conventional b. Awareness building and skill building c. Equal employment and affirmative action d. Process and behavior
Awareness building and skill building
An advantage of flexible benefit plans is that if employees make poor selections and do not use their benefits, it saves the employer money.
F
Employees who are compensated on an hourly basis are referred to as salary earners.
F
Federal employees are not covered by the federal Whistleblower Protection Act.
F
The worth of a job is determined formally through the wage and salary survey.
F
Which of the following would most likely help managers develop a strong relationship with a union in implementing high-performance work systems? Select one: a. Concentrating efforts on achieving all of the organization's objectives b. Involving them early in the design process c. Concentrating accountability for union relations with the top management d. Relying on informal communication
Involving them early in the design process
he major source of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards is the: Select one: a. federal government. b. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). c. American Medical Association (AMA). d. state government.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Criticisms of Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) enforcement of rules include all of the following EXCEPT: Select one: a. OSHA both sets and enforces its own standards. b. OSHA standards are outdated. c. OSHA enforces unevenly from on political administration to the next. d. OSHA is overly zealous.
OSHA both sets and enforces its own standards.
Which of the following is NOT an example of sexual harassment? Select one: a. Paying a man more than a woman for doing the same job b. Promoting a female employee after she agrees to an after-work date c. Allowing a customer to demand sexual favors from an employee d. Permitting the work environment to be hostile, intimidating, or offensive
Paying a man more than a woman for doing the same job
Employers with exemplary health and safety records may receive recognition under the ____. Select one: a. Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program b. Strategic Partnership Program c. Alliances Program d. Voluntary Protection Program
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program
Employers with exemplary health and safety records may receive recognition under the ____. Select one: a. Voluntary Protection Program b. Alliances Program c. Strategic Partnership Program d. Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program
Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program
A SWOT analysis helps executives summarize the major facts and forecasts derived from external and internal analyses.
T
Alcoholism is classified as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
T
The federal wage law that may require government contractors to pay overtime for work more than eight hours a day is: Select one: a. Equal Pay Act. b. Walsh-Healy Act. c. Fair Labor Standards Act. d. Davis-Bacon Act.
Walsh-Healy Act.
HR staffs should consider all of the following factors during hiring decisions EXCEPT: Select one: a. Should the individuals be hired according to their highest potential or according to the needs of the organization? b. What effect will the applicants' family situation have on job performance? c. Should overqualified individuals be considered? d. To what extent should those applicants who are not qualified but are qualifiable be considered?
What effect will the applicants' family situation have on job performance?
A job description is: Select one: a. a set of different duties and responsibilities performed by one employee. b. a group of related activities and duties of a job. c. a statement of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a job. d. a statement of the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of a job.
a statement of the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of a job.
E-learning provide all the following benefits EXCEPT: Select one: a. replacing conventional learning experiences. b. bringing the training to employees. c. facilitating just-in-time skill development. d. being more cost effective.
replacing conventional learning experiences.
Over the last few decades, the educational attainment of the U.S. labor force has: Select one: a. remained at about the same level. b. had little influence on HRM. c. risen dramatically. d. fallen dramatically.
risen dramatically.
A person's performance is a function of ability, environment, and motivation
t
Skill variety refers to: Select one: a. the degree to which a job entails a variety of different activities, requiring the use of different skills and talents. b. the degree to which a job has impact on the work of other people. c. the degree to which a job requires completion of an identifiable piece of work with a visible outcome. d. the degree to which a job provides independence and discretion to an individual in scheduling the work and determining the procedures to use.
the degree to which a job entails a variety of different activities, requiring the use of different skills and talents.
A study on bonus versus actual pay raises showed that improving one's pay through merit increases by 1 percent would increase future performance by ____ percent. Select one: a. 8 b. 5 c. 2 d. 10
2
Laid off employees who have been working in an employment covered by the Social Security Act may get unemployment insurance benefits for up to _____ weeks. Select one: a. 24 b. 26 c. 20 d. 22
26
A manager who provides a continuing flow of instructions, comments, and suggestions to the subordinate is engaging in what type of on-the-job training? Select one: a. Case study b. Role modeling c. Coaching d. Individual development
Coaching
To achieve empowerment, organizations must encourage participation, innovation, access to information, and _____. Select one: a. training b. responsibility c. accountability d. feedback
accountability
Vesting guarantees: Select one: a. withdrawal of benefits at any time. b. automatic funding of pension plans. c. selection of pension options. d. accrued pension benefits at retirement age
accrued pension benefits at retirement age
If a supervisor suspects that a subordinate has a severe drinking problem, the action to be avoided is: Select one: a. confronting the employee with his or her alcoholism during the first meeting and threatening with dismissal if the employee does not seek help. b. confronting the employee with proof that his or her performance is deficient. c. assuring the employee that help is available without any penalty. d. carefully documenting evidence of declining performance.
confronting the employee with his or her alcoholism during the first meeting and threatening with dismissal if the employee does not seek help.
The American with Disabilities Act requires that job duties and responsibilities must be: Select one: a. essential job functions for job success. b. adjusted to describe the reasonable accommodations that an employer is willing to provide. c. limited to not more than twenty individual job tasks. d. written by job incumbents most familiar with the job.
essential job functions for job success.
An orientation program for new employees is an informal process.
f
One disadvantage of peer evaluations is the belief that they contain more biases and furnish less valid information than appraisals by superiors
f
Performance appraisals are generally a good mechanism in determining why employees are not meeting the firm's expectations when conducting a person analysis.
f
The HR department rarely has the primary responsibility for overseeing and coordinating a firm's performance management system.
f
To protect themselves from hiring potentially bad employees, organizations are encouraged to ask job applicants about past arrests on biographical information blanks.
f
While cross-training can increase productivity, it can also increase employee turnover.
f
The type of information obtained from an applicant should be based on: Select one: a. job specifications. b. the HR manager's preferences. c. manning tables. d. the biographical data set.
job specifications.
Problems associated with video display terminal use include all of the following EXCEPT: Select one: a. muscle ache. b. job stress. c. lung disease. d. visual difficulty.
lung disease.
The first step in a needs assessment is: Select one: a. person analysis. b. organization analysis. c. market analysis. d. task analysis.
organization analysis.
Bona fide occupational qualifications can: Select one: a. be based on employer preference. b. permit discrimination by an employer. c. require reasonable accommodation on the part of the employer. d. be used to identify adverse impact.
permit discrimination by an employer.
The appraisal interview: Select one: a. should take place in one session in order to give the employee a complete view of his or her performance. b. can be divided into two sessions, though this is not advisable. c. should be held in two segments because the rater must perform the role of both evaluator and counselor. d. is most suitable for the supervisor to give feedback on past performance and should not be used for developmental purposes.
should be held in two segments because the rater must perform the role of both evaluator and counselor.
An incentive given for a special employee contribution not directly tied to a performance standard is a: Select one: a. merit pay. b. differential piece rate. c. spot bonus. d. piece rate plan.
spot bonus.
A recency error is an error in which the appraisal is based largely upon the employee's most recent behavior as opposed to their behavior throughout the entire appraisal period.
t
Ergonomics is concerned with the design of equipment to accommodate human capabilities.
t
Feedback training for raters should include communicating effectively, diagnosing causes of performance problems, and setting goals.
t
Legally, medical examinations can be administered to an applicant before he or she has been made a conditional employment offer.
t
Return on investment is the amount of money a company saves by avoiding training programs.
t
The first step in strategic planning of a firm involves establishing a mission, vision, and values for the firm.
t
The number of steps in the selection process and their sequence will vary, not only with the organization, but also with the type and level of jobs to be filled.
t
A problem with performance appraisal is that it: Select one: a. tends to be objective and consistent. b. tends to be a bottom-up process. c. tends to focus on short-term objectives rather than long-term learning. d. identifies weaknesses of employees as well as strengths.
tends to focus on short-term objectives rather than long-term learning.
Human resource planning is: Select one: a. the process of anticipating and providing for the movement of people into, within, and out of an organization. b. the technique that identifies the critical aspects of a job. c. the process of setting major organizational objectives and developing comprehensive plans to achieve these objectives. d. the process of determining the primary direction of a firm.
the process of anticipating and providing for the movement of people into, within, and out of an organization.
The log of work-related injuries and illnesses is filed: Select one: a. in the fitness-for-duty roster. b. by an employer's insurance company. c. in the Federal Register. d. under OSHA Form 300.
under OSHA Form 300.
An important step in avoiding discriminatory practices during selection is to: Select one: a. require all applicants to complete an application form. b. use validation studies to demonstrate the job-relatedness of a selection instrument. c. base selection decisions solely on interviews. d. use multiple interviewers for each applicant.
use validation studies to demonstrate the job-relatedness of a selection instrument.