Deck 1: Managing Human Resources Today

Question 1

What specific activities listed below are part of the planning function?

A) giving each subordinate a specific task
B) training and developing employees
C) developing rules and procedures
D) establishing quality standards

Answer 1

C
Explanation: C) The planning function of management involves establishing goals and standards; developing rules and procedures; and developing plans and forecasts. The other functions of management are organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling.

Question 2

Which basic function of management involves maintaining employee morale and motivating subordinates?

A) planning
B) leading
C) organizing
D) developing

Answer 2

B
Explanation: B) Planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling are the five functions of management. The leading function involves getting others to accomplish a task, maintaining morale, and motivating subordinates.

Question 3

Which function of the management process involves setting standards such a sales quotas and production levels?

A) planning
B) organizing
C) controlling
D) leading

Answer 3

C
Explanation: C) Setting standards such as sales quotas, quality standards, or production levels is part of the controlling function of the management process. Planning, organizing, and leading are other functions in the management process.

Question 4

In the management process, which activity is part of the staffing function?

A) developing rules
B) maintaining morale
C) evaluating performance
D) setting production levels

Question 5

A manager is best described as a person who is responsible for ________.

A) teaching new employees basic skills
B) accomplishing the organization's goals
C) communicating with stockholders
D) delegating authority to subordinates

Question 6

Which of the following terms best describes firms such as L.L. Bean, Toyota, and Dell?

A) bargaining unit
B) work council
C) organization
D) open shop

Question 7

Which function of the management process includes delegating authority to subordinates and establishing channels of communication?

A) organizing
B) motivating
C) leading
D) staffing

Question 8

Celeste spends most of her time at work establishing goals for her staff of fifty employees and developing procedures for various tasks. In which function of the management process does Celeste spend most of her time?

A) planning
B) organizing
C) motivating
D) staffing

Question 9

Which basic function of management includes developing rules and procedures?

A) planning
B) organizing
C) leading
D) staffing

Question 10

Which of the following involves the five functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling?

A) strategic management
B) adaptability screening
C) succession planning
D) management process

Question 11

Which activity is part of the controlling function of the management process?

A) recruiting prospective employees
B) training and developing new employees
C) developing departmental rules and procedures
D) comparing employee performance with standards

Question 12

________ is the process of acquiring, training, appraising, and compensating employees, and attending to their labor relations, health and safety, and fairness concerns.

A) Human resource management
B) Career planning
C) Behavioral management
D) Job evaluation

Question 13

________ is the right to make decisions, to direct the work of others, and to give orders.

A) Leadership
B) Authority
C) Arbitration
D) Bargaining

Question 14

Human resource management is best defined as the process of ________.

A) controlling and orienting new employees
B) organizing and scheduling work activities for teams
C) outsourcing and offshoring clerical jobs to foreign countries
D) acquiring, training, appraising, and compensating employees

Question 15

John primarily spends his time giving tasks to subordinates and establishing departments. He is performing what function of management?

A) leading
B) planning
C) organizing
D) controlling

Question 16

Which of the following activities is related to the organizing function of the management process?

A) giving each subordinate a specific task
B) recruiting prospective employees
C) developing rules and procedures
D) establishing quality standards

Question 17

All of the following are activities performed within the staffing function of the management process EXCEPT ________.

A) evaluating performance
B) providing training
C) recruiting employees
D) maintaining morale

Question 18

Which individual in an organization is responsible for accomplishing the organization's goals by planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling personnel?

A) manager
B) generalist
C) marketer
D) entrepreneur

Question 19

Zachary, a sales manager with a commercial real estate firm, uses sales quotas to assess the performance of his staff members, and he then develops strategies for corrective action. Which function of the management process is Zachary most likely performing?

A) planning
B) staffing
C) controlling
D) organizing

Question 20

The basic functions of management include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) staffing
B) planning
C) organizing
D) outsourcing

Question 21

Which term refers to exporting jobs to lower-cost locations abroad?

A) compensating
B) benchmarking
C) offshoring
D) warehousing

Question 22

Which of the following best explains why HR management is important to all managers?

A) Economic challenges facing the world call for advanced cost-cutting and streamlining.
B) Investing in human capital enables managers to achieve positive results for the firm.
C) An enthusiastic labor force is likely to provide financial support to local unions.
D) Technological changes and global competition require clear organization charts.

Question 23

In general, how many human resource employees would be on staff for a firm with 500 total employees?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 5
D) 10

Question 24

Which of the following statements best explains why employers are expecting a severe labor shortage in the next few years?

A) More people are retiring than are entering the job market.
B) One-third of single mothers are not in the labor force.
C) People are living longer because of better health care.
D) Increasing taxes have forced businesses to globalize.

Question 25

An HR generalist at Wilson Manufacturing has been assigned to the sales department to provide HR management assistance as needed. Which of the following best describes the structure of the HR services provided at Wilson Manufacturing?

A) transactional HR groups
B) corporate HR groups
C) embedded HR units
D) HR centers of expertise

Question 26

Which of the following has historically been an integral part of every line manager's duties?

A) establishing dress codes
B) developing annual budgets
C) handling personnel issues
D) creating personnel policies

Question 27

All of the following are examples of human resource specialties EXCEPT ________.

A) job analyst
B) training specialist
C) EEO coordinator
D) financial advisor

Question 28

Which of the following focuses on using centralized call centers and outsourcing arrangements with vendors as a way to provide specialized support for certain HR activities?

A) transactional HR groups
B) corporate HR groups
C) embedded HR units
D) HR consulting firms

Question 29

Which of the following describes the most significant demographic trend facing the U.S. workforce?

A) decreasing number of contingent workers
B) increasing number of blue-collar workers
C) decreasing number of bilingual workers
D) increasing number of older workers

Question 30

All of the following are a line manager's responsibilities for effective HR management EXCEPT ________.

A) advising upper management
B) controlling labor costs
C) developing employees
D) orienting new employees

Question 31

In most organizations, human resource managers are categorized as ________, who assist and advise ________ in areas like recruiting, hiring, and compensation.

A) staff managers; line managers
B) line managers; middle managers
C) line managers; staff managers
D) functional managers; staff managers

Question 32

Roberta Whitman has recently been hired by Jackson Pharmaceuticals as the senior vice president of human resources. Jackson Pharmaceuticals has a history of problems within its HR department including high employee turnover, EEO violations, inadequate training programs, and benefit enrollment difficulties. With years of experience transforming HR departments in other firms, Whitman believes she can correct the problems at Jackson Pharmaceuticals. Which of the following best supports Whitman's idea to develop a transactional HR group to handle benefits administration?

A) Extensive training has been provided to line managers so that they fully understand the different insurance options available to employees.
B) Lower insurance premiums would eliminate the need for outsourcing medical services and improve employee health coverage.
C) Outside vendors specializing in all aspects of benefits administration would provide improved support to the firm's employees.
D) All employees are currently required to participate in health screening and drug tests to eliminate high risk employees from the benefits plan.

Question 33

Larry is a line manager at a large sporting goods store. Which of the following is LEAST likely to be one of Larry's HR responsibilities?

A) training new employees
B) interpreting company policies
C) sharing financial advice
D) disciplining employees

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a trend facing human resource managers today?

A) increasing age of the workforce
B) increasing diversity in the workforce
C) decreasing number of temporary workers
D) decreasing number of college-educated workers

Question 35

According to experts, the primary hindrance to a firm's productivity is its inability to ________.

A) attain adequate cash and credit
B) use advanced accounting controls
C) acquire and maintain a good workforce
D) create efficient manufacturing facilities

Question 36

Roberta Whitman has recently been hired by Jackson Pharmaceuticals as the senior vice president of human resources. Jackson Pharmaceuticals has a history of problems within its HR department including high employee turnover, EEO violations, inadequate training programs, and benefit enrollment difficulties. With years of experience transforming HR departments in other firms, Whitman believes she can correct the problems at Jackson Pharmaceuticals. Which of the following best supports the argument that Whitman should create embedded HR units and assign relationship managers to each department within the firm?

A) Employees frequently complain about the inconsistent assistance they receive from the HR department due to its large size.
B) The global nature of the firm makes it difficult for the HR department to effectively communicate corporate messages to employees scattered around the world.
C) Centralized call centers would enable the HR department to provide specialized support on daily transactional activities.
D) Line managers want to implement additional screening and evaluations to improve the quality of their subordinates.

Question 37

Nicole works as a job analyst at a computer firm. Which of the following most likely describes Nicole's duties in her current position?

A) searching for qualified job candidates
B) handling employee benefits programs
C) collecting information about job duties
D) planning and organizing training activities

Question 38

Line authority is best defined as a manager's right to ________.

A) use flexible decision-making powers
B) advise other managers or employees
C) advocate on behalf of his or her department
D) issue orders to other managers or employees

Question 39

________ refers to the tendency of firms to extend their sales, ownership, and/or manufacturing to new markets abroad.

A) Market development
B) Globalization
C) Export growth
D) Diversification

Question 40

Which of the following human resource management specialties would most likely require extensive travel?

A) labor relations specialist
B) training specialist
C) job analyst
D) recruiter

Question 41

Jennifer was recently certified as a professional human resource manager. Which organization most likely provided this certification to Jennifer?

A) Human Resource Certification Institute
B) Academy of Human Resource Executives
C) Society of Business Administration
D) Association of Certified HR Managers

Question 42

Which of the following is most likely a true statement?

A) A firm's vision is only effective when HR managers play a strategic role in its development.
B) Human capital is linked to increased productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
C) Transactional activities are more cost-effective when outsourced by HR.
D) Business strategies developed by HR managers are quantifiable.

Question 43

Which of the following is a trend in the US.?

A) increasing number of service industries
B) decreasing number of Hispanic workers
C) increasing number of goods-producing industries
D) decreasing number of Asian workers

Question 44

Which term refers to a set of quantitative performance measures that human resource managers use to assess their operations?

A) ratios
B) tools
C) metrics
D) case studies

Question 45

What are many employers doing to fill openings left by retiring employees?

A) increasing the retirement age
B) offering night shifts
C) hiring more women
D) rehiring retirees

Question 46

Tara Robles earned an MBA degree and is now an HR manager for a Fortune 500 company. In which of the following tasks does Tara's advanced degree benefit her the most?

A) training interns to perform basic computer tasks
B) recruiting college graduates for entry-level positions
C) distributing pension payments to retiring employees
D) assisting upper management in formulating business strategies

Question 47

What term refers to the knowledge, education, training, skills, and expertise of a firm's workers?

A) tangible assets
B) human capital
C) human resources
D) intellectual property

Question 48

Which of the following terms refers to a set of HR management policies and practices that together produce superior employee performance?

A) career management system
B) in-house development system
C) high-performance work system
D) management assessment system

Question 49

According to employer surveys, one of the primary challenges of Generation Y employees is their ________.

A) desire to work only in part-time positions
B) inability to use information technology
C) need for constant praise and recognition
D) inability to balance work and family

Question 50

Most modern employers expect HR managers to do all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) create high-performance work systems
B) participate in strategic planning activities
C) take an integrated talent management approach
D) utilize transactional relations to ensure corporate success

Question 51

Many HR managers use Facebook to ________.

A) measure employee performance
B) advertise job listings
C) provide benefits services
D) manage ethics

Question 52

Unlike HR managers of the past, modern HR managers must be able to ________.

A) hire workers who are well-matched to a firm's HR needs
B) assist with employee training in departments within a firm
C) develop and implement a firm's long-term business strategies
D) explain HR activities in terms of a firm's finances and productivity

Question 53

James is preparing to take an HRCI certification exam. Which of the following subjects is LEAST important for James to study?

A) strategic management
B) workforce planning
C) information technology
D) occupational health and safety

Question 54

Which term refers to the standards someone uses to decide what his or her conduct should be?

A) morals
B) ethics
C) autonomy
D) responsibility

Question 55

Which of the following terms refers to workers who hold multiple jobs or are part-time employees?

A) short-term
B) seasonal
C) temporary
D) nontraditional

Question 56

In today's business environment, what is a firm's main source of competitive advantage?

A) technology
B) human capital
C) financial structure
D) creative advertising

Question 57

Evidence-based human resource management relies on all of the following types of evidence EXCEPT ________.

A) analytics
B) existing data
C) research studies
D) qualitative opinions

Question 58

Which of the following best describes a nontraditional worker?

A) entrepreneurial workers
B) workers with multiple jobs
C) service industry workers
D) workers near retirement age

Question 59

Globalization, competition, and technology have led to which of the following trends in human resource management?

A) HR managers assist top management with developing and implementing strategies.
B) HR managers primarily focus on providing transactional services like recruiting and hiring.
C) Metrics used to measure employee potential have been replaced by standardized testing.
D) College recruiting has increased as a result of the growing number of retiring baby boomers.

Question 60

By 2020, service-providing industries in the U.S. are expected to account for ________ of wage and salary jobs overall.

A) 53%
B) 64%
C) 72%
D) 87%

Question 61

Edith and her sister Ruth share a clerical position at Bowman Industries. Edith works from 7:00 a.m. until noon, and Ruth works from noon until 5:00 p.m. Edith and Ruth would best be described as ________.

A) independent contractors
B) telecommuters
C) temporary employees
D) nontraditional workers

Question 62

The purpose of evidence-based human resource management is to use data and research to ________.

A) make comparisons with other firms
B) quantify HR expenses and deficits
C) support HR decisions and practices
D) identify high quality job candidates

Question 63

According to a study of 35 large global firms, what is the primary concern of HR managers?

A) technological changes
B) talent management
C) offshoring risks
D) health care costs

Question 64

Which term refers to the competency needed by today's HR managers to create a meaningful work environment and align strategy, culture, practices, and behavior?

A) capability builder
B) credible activist
C) strategic positioner
D) technology proponent

Question 65

According to the text, which of the following is the most likely reason that HR managers are more focused on metrics than they were 50 years ago?

A) fluctuations in the stock market
B) risks of monetary recession
C) threats of heavy regulation
D) pressures of global competition

Question 66

The purpose of the H-1B visa program is to allow ________.

A) U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers for jobs overseas
B) U.S. employees to work for foreign firms based in the U.S.
C) U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers for jobs in the U.S.
D) U.S. employees to work for foreign firms based overseas

Question 67

The planning function of management includes establishing goals and standards and developing forecasts.

Question 68

Raj, an engineering consultant, pays $300 each month to use a meeting room and office equipment in a local office building. Raj uses the space when he needs to meet with clients, and the rest of the time he works from his home office. Which term refers to Raj's work arrangement?

A) co-working site
B) indebtedness
C) downsizing
D) offshoring

Question 69

Which of the following factors LEAST likely drove U.S. economic growth between 1960 and 2007?

A) leveraging
B) diversifying
C) globalization
D) deregulation

Question 70

Communicating is one of the five basic functions of the management process.

Question 71

Elliot was born in 1972. In which of the following groups would Elliot most likely be categorized?

A) Baby Boomer
B) Generation X
C) Millennial
D) Generation Y

Question 72

Which term refers to formulating and executing HR policies and practices that produce the employee competencies and behaviors a firm needs to achieve its strategic goals?

A) talent management
B) performance management
C) organizational management
D) strategic human resource management

Question 73

Which term refers to an agreement that reduces tariffs and barriers among trading partners?

A) offshore facility
B) co-working site
C) deregulation
D) free trade area

Question 74

Planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling are the five basic functions of the management process.

Question 75

Setting standards such as sales quotas, quality standards, or production levels is part of the leading function of human resource management.

Question 76

Dana, an HR manager at Coffman Consulting, wants to compare current employees' skills with the firm's projected strategic needs. Which of the following would most likely help Dana accomplish this task?

A) computerized analytical program
B) network monitoring software
C) corporate intranet website
D) streaming desktop video

Question 77

According to the text, managers at Lands' End and Bank of America are encouraged to give Millennial workers ________.

A) quick feedback
B) technology training
C) telecommuting options
D) extensive family leave time

Question 78

Modern HR managers are expected to monitor employee engagement, which refers to an employee's ________.

A) ability to balance family and career
B) emotional investment in their work
C) personal career goals and objectives
D) ethical behaviors and attitudes

Question 79

Which of the following is a tendency of many Generation Y workers?

A) focusing more on work than family
B) focusing more on family than work
C) wanting to balance work and family life
D) wanting to be employed as nontraditional workers

Question 80

Personnel management involves recruiting prospective employees, setting performance standards, and monitoring production levels.