Deck 1: Exploring Why Hrm Matters to All Employees

Question 1

Which term best describes the structure of HRM systems, practices, and policies and their relationship to the organization and the employees?

A) linear
B) integrated
C) functional
D) dynamic

Answer 1

B

Question 2

When developing and implementing systems, practices, and policies that address HRM topics, what is the one requirement that must be adhered to above all else?

A) the organization's values
B) the organization's mission statement
C) human resource planning best practices
D) legal requirements

Answer 2

D

Question 3

What are the responsibilities of HRM to ensure an organization is successful?

A) having the right people, in the right places, at the right time, doing the right thing
B) ensuring that the organization is responsible in following the laws as they relate to human resources
C) having an abundant candidate pool to draw upon quickly to back-fill positions
D) to ensure succession planning is part of the management strategy

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which HR activity determines what, where, when, and how work tasks are done?

A) defining, analyzing, and designing work
B) managing employee performance
C) planning for, recruiting, and selecting employees
D) knowing rights and responsibilities

Question 5

How are companies responding to the demands of a multi-generational workforce?

A) by focusing on corporate culture and ensuring employees fit with the culture
B) by redefining benefits plans to ensure all generations have access to the services they need
C) by permitting employees to telecommute to reduce the friction between the generations working in a common space
D) by training new hires in leadership roles where their subordinates may be older than them

Question 6

Which term best describes the role of an HR professional whose focus is on ensuring their organization is staffed with the most effective human resources to achieve its strategic goals?

A) operational
B) strategic
C) staffing
D) administrative

Question 7

What is the benefit of employees knowing that their work is valuable and needed?

A) There will be a lower turnover rate in the company.
B) They will refer others to work for the company.
C) They behave in a way that supports organizational success.
D) They will try to work harder and be more efficient.

Question 8

Ensuring that employees know what they are expected to accomplish and then providing appropriate mechanisms for regular feedback is part of which HRM focus?

A) occupational health and safety
B) defining, analyzing, and designing work
C) managing employee performance
D) promotions and transfers

Question 9

Learning about international human resources management requires customizing HRM systems, practices, and policies to address which factors?

A) economic and geographic
B) political and cultural
C) geographic and legal
D) racial and political

Question 10

What information do employees rely on HRM to help them understand?

A) social and legal issues of organizational non-compliance
B) how to apply HRM principles in the execution of their technical skills
C) that managers are the key link between the employee and the customer
D) how their performance will be measured

Question 11

Who are the beneficiaries of Human Resources Management?

A) human resource specialists
B) employees
C) business owners
D) contractors and freelancers

Question 12

What HR process ensures that people in the organization are the right people with the right skills at the right time in the right place?

A) understanding labour relations and collective bargaining
B) defining, analyzing, and designing work
C) planning for, recruiting, and selecting employees
D) knowing rights and responsibilities

Question 13

What is HRM?

A) techniques and processes for organizing people and work activities
B) management techniques for controlling people at work
C) an integrated set of systems, practices, and policies focusing on effective employee deployment and development
D) all management activities

Question 14

How does HRM support the promotion of employee health and safety through organizational culture?

A) by creating a work environment that promotes a sense of well-being
B) by ensuring that designated smoking areas are located well away from ventilation units
C) by ensuring employees are aware of the health and safety regulations
D) by creating opportunities for employees to participate in physical activities throughout the day to keep them energized

Question 15

Which of the following functions is within the framework of human resources management?

A) ISO 9000
B) customer expectations
C) managing performance
D) globalization

Question 16

What is the significance of phrases such as "human capital," "intellectual assets," and "talent management" that have crept into business jargon?

A) They illustrate how organizations recognize the individual differences of each employee.
B) They highlight how people are brought together to achieve a common purpose.
C) They emphasize the value that people have to organizations.
D) They imply that people need to be managed as resources.

Question 17

What can impact the effectiveness of a manager?

A) how the manager sees himself within the organization
B) progressive policies and procedures of competing organizations
C) issues that impact the manager's ability to achieve organizational success
D) how the manager will be rewarded for their employee's performance

Question 18

What component of human resources management is receiving increasing attention?

A) use of technology to expedite work
B) application of HRM principles
C) individual needs of employees
D) increasing diversity within the workplace

Question 19

Which HR activity provides the resources to assist employees in developing the necessary knowledge and skills to do their jobs today and in the future?

A) defining, analyzing, and designing work
B) managing employee performance
C) orienting, training, and developing
D) knowing rights and responsibilities

Question 20

Aligning work expectations for the employee with the organization's goals is part of which HRM activity?

A) managing employee performance
B) rewarding and recognizing employees
C) orienting, training, and developing employees
D) promoting employee health and safety through organizational culture

Question 21

Studies reveal that in order to remain competitive, what should organizations be monitoring continuously, due to its impact on HRM systems, practices, and policies?

A) changes in labour legislation at federal and provincial levels
B) human capital development and talent management
C) HRIS policies
D) takeovers, mergers, and acquisitions

Question 22

Which activity is an example of HRM responding to the challenge of globalization?

A) identifying capable expatriate managers
B) containing staffing costs
C) strictly defining jobs and the ways in which people must work
D) matching compensation packages to those of the home office

Question 23

What is a benefit that employees receive from telecommuting?

A) the flexibility to work when they feel most motivated
B) cost savings, as less physical workspace is required for employees
C) a better work-life balance
D) less pollution due to fewer cars on the road

Question 24

Which is the key role of a manager?

A) reducing costs and employee development
B) increasing productivity and reducing costs
C) employee development and ensuring the organization is a great place to work
D) employee development and increasing productivity

Question 25

Which of the following is necessary in order for HR to be considered as part of the business??

A) It must be overseen by a Canadian Human Resources Professional
B) It must have access to a robust HRM tool.
C) It must develop processes and practices that align with those of the business.
D) It must have a solid understanding of all departments in the business.

Question 26

Which of the following is used by companies to minimize the negative impact on employees after a downsizing?

A) offering flextime to remaining employees
B) providing training and development to remaining employees
C) laying off employees based on performance
D) outsourcing positions that were eliminated during the downsizing

Question 27

Who is the key link between the employee and the organization?

A) manager
B) human resource manager
C) work group
D) department teams

Question 28

When organizations place an increased emphasis on the growth and development of its people, the managers are front-and-centre in identifying the gaps in skill sets, and the HR professional offers ways of bridging the gaps. What is this an example of?

A) functional authority
B) manager and HRM partnership
C) strategic planning
D) human resource planning

Question 29

What impact has globalization had on HRM responsibilities?

A) They are balancing complicated issues related to language and communication.
B) They must address the different legal and political requirements of the new location.
C) Most organizations hire a third-party supplier to handle their HR work in the international location.
D) There is very little impact as all HR management activities are managed at the international location.

Question 30

When managers talk about globalization, they must balance a complicated set of issues including which of the following?

A) cultural differences
B) gender differences
C) educational differences
D) technology differences

Question 31

How can HR ensure it is seen as part of the business, instead of mainly an administrative department?

A) Develop a solid understanding of the business and develop processes and practices that align with the business.
B) Find ways to reduce costs in high-cost areas such as benefits.
C) Meet one-on-one with employees to learn more about them and what they want from their job.
D) Work with all departments to ensure they are following the law in their treatment of employees.

Question 32

What percentage of the Canadian economy is affected by international competition?

A) 30 to 40 percent
B) 50 to 60 percent
C) 70 to 80 percent
D) 80 to 90 percent

Question 33

What is the influence of technology on HRM?

A) operational (e.g., automation), improved services and access to information
B) increased contracting out, outsourcing, and employee leasing
C) concerns about privacy, ethics, and culture
D) a complicated set of issues related to language and communication

Question 34

HR departments can influence change within organizations through which of the following?

A) acting independently in the development of HRM systems
B) vetting employee concerns or problems
C) actively participating in policy formation
D) providing service activities such as coaching and mentoring

Question 35

How can organizations lessen the experience of survivor syndrome during a downsizing?

A) ensure a good severance package is provided to those who were laid off
B) ensure downsizing activities do not take place near holidays
C) ensure popular employees are kept on, to help motivate others
D) ensure the remaining employees feel like they matter

Question 36

Canadian oil and gas companies, and Canadian mining companies, have been experiencing growth while the Canadian car manufacturing industry has declined significantly. Canada's ability to export large quantities of oil and gas faces environmental concerns about extracting and shipping. What current business challenge is this an example of?

A) demographics and employee concerns
B) technology and quality
C) culture and environment
D) changes in firms and business sectors

Question 37

In order to develop and design HRM systems, practices, and policies, which two groups of people must work together?

A) HRM system consultants and business owners
B) business owners and HR professionals
C) managers and business owners
D) managers and HR professionals

Question 38

What are three current business concerns facing organizations?

A) global economy, demographics, and technology
B) language, organizational culture, and employee assistance
C) human resource planning, staffing, and training
D) labour relations, language, and culture

Question 39

Beyond the typical HR activities, what other strategic activities might HR participate in?

A) terminating employees who don't comply with company policy
B) planning social activities to make the workplace enjoyable
C) teaching health and safety courses
D) policy formulation and implementation

Question 40

Which statement best illustrates a disadvantage of using independent contractors over employees?

A) Contractors have flexibility in work hours and location so they might not be the same as employees.
B) Employers are required to hold back mandatory employment deductions from the contractor.
C) Contractors may not be as attached to the project as an employee and the project may reflect this.
D) Their contract duration is typically undefined, so they can be extended as long as required.

Question 41

What "family-friendly" practices are a growing number of companies using to accommodate employees who strive to balance the demands of their jobs with the needs of their families or non-work lives?

A) offering greater job flexibility
B) offering job shadowing for children to learn about their parents' jobs
C) offering time-off for employees to participate in volunteer opportunities
D) offering mentoring to younger employees

Question 42

Which term best descsribes the value of knowledge, skills, and capabilities that may not show up on a company's balance sheet but have tremendous impact on an organization's performance?

A) human capital
B) core competencies
C) knowledge capital
D) stakeholder value

Question 43

A study by the Conference Board of Canada detailed the skills that are important for contributing to an entrepreneurial workplace. Which of the following outlines two of those skills?

A) assessing and managing risk, and keeping goals insight
B) engaging others and setting realistic goals
C) being accountable and learning from experiences
D) assessing and managing risk and setting realistic goals

Question 44

In what way are Canadian labour force demographics expected to change?

A) College graduates will make up a smaller share of the Canadian labour force than they did in the past.
B) Women will make up a smaller share of the Canadian labour force than they did in the past.
C) Visible minorities will make up a smaller share of the Canadian labour force than they did in the past.
D) Young entry-level workers will make up a smaller share of the Canadian labour force than they did in the past.

Question 45

What practice should an organization consider if they wish to attract, keep, and engage employees?

A) hold annual communication meetings with staff
B) allow employees to perform at their best
C) micromanage employees to ensure compliance to company standards
D) develop a top-heavy management structure

Question 46

Where do employees who are connected as a result of computer-mediated relationships work?

A) in start-up centres so they can easily interact with others
B) part time in the office and part-time remotely
C) any remote location
D) at a location off-site from the main corporate office

Question 47

What customer service standards often separate the winners from the losers in today's competitive business environment?

A) responsiveness and data security
B) innovation and technology
C) responsiveness and innovation
D) innovation and data security

Question 48

Lean, organizational system of improvements that maximize customer value and minimize waste was pioneered by which manufacturing organization?

A) Xerox
B) Hitachi
C) Home Depot
D) Toyota

Question 49

According to management expert Dave Ulrich, what is one outcome of employees finding meaning at work?

A) higher rate of referral for friends
B) fewer sick days
C) longer tenure with the company
D) higher salary

Question 50

Initiatives that promote quality and efficiency are very dependent on which two factors?

A) company culture and the company's branding
B) the environment and hiring specialists to drive the change
C) company culture and employees' receptiveness to change
D) the environment and company culture

Question 51

Which term refers to the combination of knowledge, skills, and characteristics needed to effectively perform a role in an organization?

A) individual competencies
B) core competencies
C) human capital
D) organizational competencies

Question 52

Which term refers to the value that employees provide to an organization through their knowledge, skills, and abilities?

A) human capital
B) intellectual capital
C) core competencies
D) employee capital

Question 53

According to Statistics Canada, what percentage of the labour force do Indigenous people currently represent?

A) 4.3 percent
B) 5.7 percent
C) 10.1 percent
D) 15.2 percent

Question 54

What concerns are causing businesses to assess threats and opportunities related to sustainability?

A) climate change
B) human capital
C) world-population decrease
D) immigration

Question 55

Why is good HRM necessary to programs such as Six Sigma?

A) It identifies areas of improvement within the organization.
B) It balances the needs of the customer and the requirements of the company.
C) It ensures all strategies, practices, and process are legal and compliant.
D) It balances the needs of the employees and the requirements of the company.

Question 56

A study by the Conference Board of Canada detailed the skills that are important for contributing in a workplace that values creativity and problem-solving abilities. Which of the following outlines two of those skills?

A) asking questions and being willing to experiment
B) being willing to experiment and being accountable
C) asking questions and being adaptable
D) being accountable and adaptable

Question 57

According to Statistics Canada, what percentage of the labour force will be foreign-born by 2031?

A) 33 percent
B) 54 percent
C) 68 percent
D) 72 percent

Question 58

Which term refers to leveraging competencies to achieve high organizational performance?

A) knowledge capital
B) human capital
C) core competencies
D) talent management

Question 59

What is the goal of Six Sigma and TQM management approaches?

A) improve quality and achieve higher customer satisfaction
B) improve resource allocation
C) embrace new technology and manage change
D) enhance human resource development

Question 60

What is necessary for organizations to be different from their competition and provide ongoing value to their customers?

A) human capital
B) skills inventory
C) core competencies
D) leveraged talent

Question 61

What is critical to an organization for it to build its competitive advantage?

A) its business strategy
B) its employees
C) its corporate strategy
D) its productivity edge

Question 62

How has the educational attainment of the Canadian labour force changed in recent years?

A) remained at about the same level
B) fallen slightly
C) fallen dramatically
D) risen steadily

Question 63

What impact has PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) had on HR departments?

A) HR departments must obtain an employee's consent before personal information is disclosed.
B) HR departments are only permitted to keep select data on an employee.
C) HR departments are permitted to share personal employee data, provided it is done across secure internet lines.
D) HR departments can share personal employee data, provided it's not located in an electronic document.

Question 64

How are companies responding to the multi-generational workforce demographic shift?

A) focusing on young, new talent
B) allowing older workers to self-manage due to their age and experience
C) maintaining status quo within the organization
D) ensuring staff fit well with the culture and corporate values

Question 65

Approximately what percentage of people who work part-time are women?

A) 19 percent
B) 39 percent
C) 49 percent
D) 59 percent

Question 66

According to Statistics Canada, what is the approximate percentage of women aged 25-54 in the workforce?

A) 36.8 percent
B) 43.9 percent
C) 51.0 percent
D) 80.0 percent

Question 67

The answers to "Should we be in business" and "What business should we be in" provide the basis for which strategy?

A) business strategy
B) corporate strategy
C) department strategy
D) HR strategy

Question 68

Which demographic change is of concern to organizations?

A) salary expectations
B) working-age population
C) benefit costs
D) ethics codes

Question 69

Which strategy are you using when analyzing how hamburgers are sold?

A) corporate strategy
B) business unit strategy
C) business strategy
D) HR strategy

Question 70

Why do organizations consider the options of job sharing and daycare?

A) to supplement maternity and parental leaves
B) to address the gender distribution in the workforce
C) to address the changing attitude of employees toward work
D) to help employees achieve a better balance between work and family

Question 71

What distinguishes an organization's business strategy from its corporate strategy?

A) focus on company-wide and overall objectives
B) focus on long-term survival and growth
C) focus on the line of business
D) focus on turnaround situations and divestitures

Question 72

What cultural trend has resulted in people pursuing multiple careers instead of just being satisfied with "having a job"?

A) the desire to spend more time with family
B) the desire to work close to home in order to save on gas and to lessen the environmental impact
C) the desire to find a career that has a low environmental footprint
D) the desire to balance rewarding work with a fulfilled personal life

Question 73

What percentage of the Canadian population has either college or university qualifications?

A) 35 percent
B) 45 percent
C) 54 percent
D) 90 percent

Question 74

Which demographic change is impacting many organizations?

A) compensation expectations
B) older workers working longer
C) family-friendly policies
D) information systems

Question 75

What do changes in the workplace involving employee privacy, equal employment opportunities, and union representation if desired, reflect?

A) changes in employee rights
B) cultural changes
C) changes in the nature of the job and workplace
D) changes in employee responsibility

Question 76

What impact can family-friendly work initiatives have on small businesses?

A) increase expenses
B) save money
C) reduce employee turnover
D) increase employee turnover

Question 77

What societal change is driving organizations' desire to provide employees with more family-friendly options?

A) the number of workers over the age of 65
B) TV coverage of celebrities taking their kids to work with them
C) an aging population
D) rise of non-traditional family arrangements

Question 78

In the future, what demographic mix is the Canadian workforce anticipated to exhibit?

A) about the same as today
B) an increase in Generation X workers
C) an increase in ethnic diversity
D) a decrease in the number of older workers

Question 79

How is the continuing focus on work and family balance impacting the workplace?

A) an increase in the number of unions starting up
B) an increase in people switching careers mid-life
C) an increase in employee demands for privacy
D) an increase in non-traditional jobs (part-time, contract, etc.)

Question 80

The basis of which strategy is formed by the question "How should we compete?"

A) corporate strategy
B) business strategy
C) HR strategy
D) systems strategy