Deck 4: Job Analysis and the Talent Management Process

Question 1

Which of the following most likely depends on a job's required skills, education level, safety hazards, and degree of responsibility?

A)employee compensation
B)organizational culture
C)annual training requirements
D)OSHA and EEO compliance

Answer 1

A
Explanation: A)Compensation in the form of salaries and bonuses greatly depends upon a job's required skills, education level, safety hazards, and level of responsibility. Managers use the job analysis to determine the relative worth of a specific job and the most appropriate compensation for an employee.

Question 2

Which of the following indicates the division of work within a firm and the lines of authority and communication?

A)process chart
B)employee matrix
C)organization chart
D)corporate overview

Answer 2

C
Explanation: C)Organization charts show the organization-wide division of work with titles of each position and interconnecting lines that show who reports to and communicates with whom.

Question 3

Jennifer, a manager at an engineering firm, has been assigned the task of conducting a job analysis. What should be Jennifer's first step in the process?

A)deciding how the gathered information will be used
B)collecting data on job activities and working conditions
C)selecting representative job positions to assess
D)reviewing relevant background information

Answer 3

A
Explanation: A)The first step in performing a job analysis is deciding how the job analysis will be used because this determines the data that will be collected and how it will be collected. Collecting data, selecting which job positions to analyze, reviewing background information like organization charts and process charts, and writing job descriptions are additional steps in the job analysis process.

Question 4

Connor, a manager at a boat manufacturing firm, takes a talent management approach to his duties. Which of the following would Connor most likely do?

A)coordinate recruitment and compensation activities
B)use different competencies for recruitment and development
C)rely primarily on applicant testing results for hiring decisions
D)manage employees based on their experience with the organization

Question 5

Which of the following data collection techniques would be most useful when writing a job description for a software engineer?

A)distributing position analysis questionnaires
B)interviewing employees
C)analyzing organization charts
D)developing a job process chart

Question 6

The ________ lists a job's specific duties as well as the skills and training needed to perform a particular job.

A)organization chart
B)job analysis
C)work aid
D)job description

Question 7

Which of the following terms refers to the procedure used to determine the duties associated with job positions and the characteristics of the people to hire for those positions?

A)job description
B)job specification
C)job analysis
D)job context

Question 8

A(n)________ shows the flow of inputs to and outputs from a job being analyzed.

A)organization chart
B)process chart
C)job analysis
D)job description

Question 9

A workflow analyst would most likely focus on which of the following?

A)methods used by the firm to accomplish tasks
B)behaviors needed to complete specific work
C)a single, identifiable work process
D)a quantifiable worker skill

Question 10

A manager uses the information in a job analysis for all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A)assessing training requirements
B)complying with FCC regulations
C)determining appropriate compensation
D)providing accurate performance appraisals

Question 11

All of the following types of information will most likely be collected by a human resources specialist through a job analysis EXCEPT ________.

A)work activities
B)human behaviors
C)performance standards
D)employee benefits options

Question 12

Which of the following refers to the human requirements needed for a job, such as education, skills, and personality?

A)job specifications
B)job analysis
C)job placement
D)job descriptions

Question 13

In order for Hollis Construction to be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the manager needs a ________ for each position to validate all human resource activities.

A)performance appraisal
B)compensation schedule
C)workflow system
D)job analysis

Question 14

The information resulting from a job analysis is used for writing ________.

A)job descriptions
B)corporate objectives
C)personnel questionnaires
D)training requirements

Question 15

Which term refers to the holistic, integrated and results and goal-oriented process of planning, recruiting, selecting, developing, managing, and compensating employees?

A)job analysis
B)HR alignment
C)strategic planning
D)talent management

Question 16

All of the following requirements are typically addressed in job specifications EXCEPT ________.

A)desired personality traits
B)required education levels
C)necessary experience
D)working conditions

Question 17

Which of the following is a written statement that describes the activities, responsibilities, working conditions, and supervisory responsibilities of a job?

A)job specification
B)job analysis
C)job description
D)job context

Question 18

In an effective talent management system, an employee's performance appraisal would initiate training and development opportunities.

Question 19

Allison, a manager at a large clothing retail store, needs to determine essential duties that have not been assigned to specific employees. Which of the following would most likely provide Allison with this information?

A)work activities
B)job context
C)job analysis
D)performance standards

Question 20

Effective talent management focuses on developing employee competencies that align with strategic goals.

Question 21

If a manager wants to know "should a job even exist," a workflow analysis should be performed.

Question 22

During the job analysis process, it is important to ________ before collecting data about specific job duties and working conditions.

A)test job questionnaires on a small group of workers
B)confirm the job activity list with employees
C)select a sample of similar jobs to analyze
D)assemble the job specifications list

Question 23

While performing the fifth step of a job analysis, it is essential to confirm the validity of collected data with the ________.

A)EEOC representative
B)HR manager
C)legal department
D)worker

Question 24

The information gathered during a job analysis is primarily used to ensure that firms are in compliance with the EEO, OSHA, and all state governments.

Question 25

What is the final step in conducting a job analysis?

A)writing a job description and job specifications
B)validating all of the collected job data
C)collecting data on specific job activities
D)reviewing relevant background information

Question 26

After identifying a business process to redesign, the next step in business process reengineering is measuring the performance of the existing process.

Question 27

Murray, Inc. emphasizes a desire for detail-oriented, motivated employees with strong social skills as indicated in the firm's job ________.

A)specifications
B)analysis
C)reports
D)descriptions

Question 28

Conducting the job analysis is the sole responsibility of the HR specialist.

Question 29

Organization charts show the division of work throughout the organization, how a job relates to others, and where a job fits in the organization.

Question 30

Which of the following terms refers to systematically moving workers from one job to another?

A)job rotation
B)job enrichment
C)job enlargement
D)job adjustment

Question 31

Job ________ means assigning workers additional same-level activities.

A)enrichment
B)assignment
C)enlargement
D)rotation

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of business process reengineering?

A)using computerized systems to combine separate tasks
B)creating a visual chart for work flow procedures
C)assigning additional activities to new employees
D)developing employee skills and behaviors

Question 33

Which of the following terms refers to redesigning jobs in a way that increases the opportunities for the worker to experience feelings of responsibility, achievement, growth, and recognition?

A)job rotation
B)job enrichment
C)job reengineering
D)job enlargement

Question 34

Who argued that the best way to motivate workers is to build opportunities for challenge and achievement into their jobs via job enrichment?

A)Adam Smith
B)Frederick Taylor
C)Frederick Herzberg
D)Abraham Maslow

Question 35

The rethinking and redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in performance is called ________.

A)job redesign
B)reengineering
C)process engineering
D)job enlargement

Question 36

Jack is an employee at a Best Western Hotel. Some weeks he works with the catering group, and other weeks he assists the reservations clerk or the parking attendant. This is an example of ________.

A)job enlargement
B)job rotation
C)job enrichment
D)job specialization

Question 37

During the job analysis process, the primary purpose of having workers review and modify data collected about their current positions is to ________.

A)confirm that the information is correct and complete
B)provide a legal benchmark for employer lawsuits
C)encourage employees to seek additional job training
D)validate the job specification list provided by HR

Question 38

The fourth step in conducting a job analysis most likely involves collecting data about all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A)required employee abilities
B)typical working conditions
C)employee turnover rates
D)specific job activities

Question 39

The primary drawback of performing a job analysis regards the ________.

A)unverifiable data a job analysis typically provides
B)certification required to conduct a job analysis
C)amount of time a job analysis takes to complete
D)redundant information gathered during a job analysis

Question 40

A process chart provides relevant background information during the job analysis process by indicating job titles and lines of communication.

Question 41

Which of the following requires workers to make daily listings of the activities in which they engage as well as the amount of time each activity takes?

A)flowchart
B)agenda
C)outline
D)log

Question 42

Job enlargement refers to redesigning jobs in a way that increases responsibility and achievement.

Question 43

Pocket dictating machines and pagers have replaced traditional diary/log methods in many firms. Which of the following problems have the modern methods most likely eliminated?

A)work time required to fill out forms and surveys
B)employee forgetfulness regarding daily activities
C)costs associated with copying and filing paperwork
D)employee frustration towards bureaucratic requirements

Question 44

Which of the following is the primary disadvantage of using questionnaires to gather job analysis information?

A)Questionnaires are the most expensive method of collecting data.
B)Supervisors are required to verify all collected questionnaire data.
C)Questionnaires are too open-ended for statistical information.
D)Developing and testing questionnaires is time-consuming.

Question 45

Which of the following guidelines is most likely recommended to managers conducting a job analysis?

A)Use one tool for gathering information to maintain the validity of the final results.
B)Rely on the human resource manager to complete questionnaires and verify data.
C)Conduct group interviews without supervisors present to ensure accuracy.
D)Ensure that the questions and the process are clarified to employees.

Question 46

Which method for collecting job analysis information is considered best for quantifying the relative worth of a job for compensation purposes?

A)electronic log
B)worker diary
C)observation
D)position analysis questionnaire

Question 47

One of the problems with direct observation is ________, which is when workers alter their normal activities because they are being watched.

A)flexibility
B)falsification
C)reactivity
D)diversion

Question 48

How does job analysis support human resource management activities? Briefly describe one of the methods commonly used for gathering job analysis data.

Question 49

What is the difference between job enlargement, job rotation, and job enrichment?

Question 50

What are the steps involved in the job analysis process? Briefly discuss the methods available for collecting job analysis information.

Question 51

Job analysts collecting information through observations and interviews benefit from the use of a(n)________ to guide the process and ensure consistency.

A)structured list
B)electronic diary
C)job description
D)organization chart

Question 52

Interviews for the purpose of collecting job analysis data will most likely address all of the following topics EXCEPT ________.

A)hazardous conditions
B)primary work duties
C)required education
D)personal hobbies

Question 53

Jerome, a manager at an electronics company, needs to gather job analysis information from a large number of employees who perform similar work. Which of the following would be most appropriate for Jerome?

A)observing all employees
B)interviewing the HR manager
C)holding a group interview with a supervisor
D)conducting telephone surveys of all employees

Question 54

In reengineered business processes, workers tend to become collectively responsible for overall results rather than individually responsible for just their own tasks.

Question 55

A ________ is the time it takes to complete a job.

A)work cycle
B)work week
C)shift
D)duty

Question 56

Which of the following is the primary disadvantage of using interviews to collect job analysis data?

A)Interviews are a complicated method for collecting information.
B)Employees may exaggerate or minimize some information.
C)Interviews provide only general information about a worker's duties.
D)Interviews may require managers to reveal the job analysis function.

Question 57

Purrfect Pets is a local pet supply store with a following of loyal customers who appreciate the personal service the store's employees provide. After a very profitable year, Purrfect Pets is expanding by opening two more stores. Before hiring employees for the new stores, the manager is considering the idea of conducting a job analysis for each position. Which of the following, if true, would best support the argument that the manager should conduct group interviews to gather job analysis information?

A)Purrfect Pets is an excellent place to work because of the positive work environment.
B)Most of the young employees of Purrfect Pets would feel awkward during a one-on-one interview.
C)Employees at Purrfect Pets work well with their colleagues, and few staffing conflicts occur.
D)Numerous employees at Purrfect Pets perform similar tasks during the work day.

Question 58

Which data collection method is most frequently used in conjunction with direct observation?

A)interview
B)questionnaire
C)electronic log
D)survey

Question 59

For which of the following jobs is direct observation NOT a recommended method for collecting job analysis data?

A)assembly-line worker
B)accounting clerk
C)attorney
D)nurse

Question 60

Joaquin records every activity in which he participates at work along with the time it takes him to complete each activity. Which of the following approaches to job analysis data collection is most likely being used at Joaquin's workplace?

A)diaries
B)interviews
C)observations
D)questionnaires

Question 61

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using interviews to collect job analysis data?

Question 62

Some employers collecting job analysis information provide employees with pocket dictating machines and pagers to record activities at random times of the work day.

Question 63

Observation as a job analysis data collection method is most appropriate for jobs that involve physical activities.

Question 64

The Department of Labor procedure uses a set of standard basic activities known as ________ to describe what a worker must do with respect to data, people, and things.

A)worker functions
B)employee duties
C)job procedures
D)job requirements

Question 65

Informal interviews provide quantitative job analysis information, which is why they are frequently used by managers who need to determine the relative worth of a job for pay purposes.

Question 66

The immediate supervisor of a group of workers being interviewed for job analysis purposes is not allowed to attend the session due to concerns about workers failing to provide honest responses to questions.

Question 67

A(n)________ is used to collect quantifiable data concerning the duties and responsibilities of various jobs.

A)electronic diary/log
B)group interview
C)position analysis questionnaire
D)Internet-based survey

Question 68

Experts at the ________ performed the earliest form of job analysis and published the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

A)EEOC
B)DOL
C)BLS
D)DHS

Question 69

Quantitative approaches for collecting job analysis data are more appropriate than qualitative approaches when a manager seeks to compare jobs for pay purposes.

Question 70

What type of information is contained in the job identification section of a job description?

A)job title
B)job summary
C)major functions or activities
D)standards of performance

Question 71

What are the three main categories used in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles to rate, classify, and compare different jobs?

A)reasoning, language, mathematics
B)skills, communication, education
C)data, people, things
D)people, skills, reasoning

Question 72

What is the primary benefit of using a position analysis questionnaire to gather data for a job analysis?

A)providing the opportunity for employees to vent job frustrations
B)sorting information for government statistics and records
C)classifying jobs for the purpose of assigning salaries
D)uncovering important yet infrequent job tasks

Question 73

Most job descriptions contain sections that cover all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A)performance standards
B)working conditions
C)responsibilities
D)required overtime

Question 74

Studies suggest that employees are more likely to describe their job duties in the form of simple task statements instead of as ability statements during job analysis interviews.

Question 75

What time-saving options are available to a busy manager who needs to conduct a job analysis and write job descriptions? Explain your answer in a brief essay.

Question 76

Purrfect Pets is a local pet supply store with a following of loyal customers who appreciate the personal service the store's employees provide. After a very profitable year, Purrfect Pets is expanding by opening two more stores. Before hiring employees for the new stores, the manager is considering the idea of conducting a job analysis for each position. Which of the following, if true, undermines the argument that the Purrfect Pets manager should observe workers in order to gather job analysis information?

A)Purrfect Pets lacks the technology to perform quantitative job assessments.
B)Part-time and seasonal workers fill most of the positions at Purrfect Pets.
C)The tasks of most Purrfect Pets employees vary widely from day to day.
D)During the morning, business at Purrfect Pets typically slows down.

Question 77

The most important consideration when developing an online job analysis is to ________.

A)make questions and the process as clear as possible
B)provide monetary rewards for timely completion
C)limit the number of questions to less than twenty
D)ask open-ended questions to ensure honest responses

Question 78

What has been the most significant impact of modern technology on job analysis methods?

A)Extensive use of the Internet by HR managers enables more people to telecommute from locations far from corporate headquarters.
B)Corporate use of the Internet and intranet has enabled HR managers to distribute and collect job analysis surveys to employees in multiple geographic locations.
C)Worker functions have changed as a result of modern technology, so the DOL procedure for data collection has been modified and categories have been altered.
D)The ability to falsify information on Internet surveys has led to an increase in interviews and observations by HR managers to collect accurate job analysis information.

Question 79

Questionnaires developed for the purpose of job analysis are always structured in the form of checklists so that the information can easily be entered into a database.

Question 80

Purrfect Pets is a local pet supply store with a following of loyal customers who appreciate the personal service the store's employees provide. After a very profitable year, Purrfect Pets is expanding by opening two more stores. Before hiring employees for the new stores, the manager is considering the idea of conducting a job analysis for each position. Which of the following, if true, would best support the argument that the manager should use a position analysis questionnaire to collect job analysis information?

A)Compliance with EEO laws requires businesses to compile quantitative data.
B)Management wants to develop a pay scale for all employees at Purrfect Pets.
C)Purrfect Pets managers are unfamiliar with the typical routines of most employees.
D)Managers believe that some Purrfect Pets employees are overlooking important daily tasks.