Exam 16: Creating High Performance Work Systems

In a work system with a high degree of internal fit, adjusting one HR practice is not likely to substantially impact the other components of the work system.

Formal commitments between management and unions to jointly implement high-performance work systems serve to institutionalize the relationship so that it keeps going even if key champions leave.

Within a high-performance work system, what type of labour-management relationship is LEAST likely to prove effective?

Employee development goes hand-in-hand with information sharing in high-performance work systems.

High-performance work systems frequently begin with which of the following?

Small-sized employers often have difficulty implementing high-performance work systems.

Most employees welcome change efforts.

When employees have input into decision making, they are more likely to feel committed to new courses of action.

HR managers should take a systems approach to HR practices and policies to maximize the value and output of the firm's human resources in conjunction with organizational strategy.

To attain a sustainable competitive advantage through people, which of the following sets of competencies should organizations develop in their employees?

High-performance work systems are relatively easy to copy by competitors.

Redesigning workflow around key business processes results in a focus on employee tasks and tends to detract from teamwork.

When the components of a high-performance work system support the organization's goals and strategies, internal fit is achieved.

The use of high-performance work systems is typically valuable only to larger organizations.

Selection of employees with greater than average talent is a key component of high-performance work systems because selection errors can result in poor performance and undesirable outcomes later.

What are the fundamental principles of high-performance work systems?

The top-down approach to work system implementation ensures employee acceptance and commitment.

While increasing or improving collaboration and teamwork, egalitarian work environments reduce or eliminate which of the following?

A recent survey by the American Society for Training and Development identified all of the following as necessary actions for successful implementation of high-performance work systems EXCEPT which one?

Cross-training employees facilitates teamwork and cooperation, and helps employees identify trouble spots that cut across several jobs.