Question 1

Good organizational citizens tend to engage in all the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Good organizational citizens tend to accept orders willingly.

Question 2

_____ refers to the process of reducing the size of pay differences among employees.

Accepted Answer

Pay compression can lead to productivity gains by reducing interpersonal competition and enhancing cooperation.

Question 3

Employees working harder and longer to link rewards to the quality and quantity of output is an example of HRM practices leading to _____.

Accepted Answer

Employees working harder and longer as a result of linking rewards to the quality and quantity of output is an example of HRM practices leading to an employee-centered outcome.

Question 4

Favorable organization-centered outcomes lead to _____.

Accepted Answer

When organization-centered outcomes are favorable, competitive advantage is usually achieved.

Question 5

_____ is defined as the extent to which employees are satisfied with their jobs, committed to their organizations, and act as good organizational citizens.

Accepted Answer

Work-related attitude is defined as the extent to which employees are satisfied with their jobs, committed to their organizations, and act as good organizational citizens.

Question 6

_____ is defined as the extent to which employees are willing to exert the necessary effort to perform their jobs well.

Accepted Answer

Motivation is defined as the extent to which employees are willing to exert the necessary effort to perform their jobs well.

Question 7

Which of the following organization-centered outcomes refers to the quantity, quality, and innovativeness of the product or service offered by a firm?

Accepted Answer

Output refers to the quantity, quality, and innovativeness of the product or service offered by a firm.

Question 8

Which of the following involves filling job vacancies by promoting employees from jobs at a lower organizational level?

Accepted Answer

Promotion increases training and skill development, offers employees an incentive for doing well, and can provide a sense of fairness and justice in the workplace.

Question 9

By following which HRM practice can an organization let applicants know that they are joining an elite organization that has high expectations regarding employee performance?

Accepted Answer

By being selective in its recruitment practices, the organization sends the message to applicants that they are joining an elite organization that has high expectations regarding employee performance.

Question 10

Which of the following is not a behavior associated with organizational citizenship?

Accepted Answer

Organizational citizenship behavior includes performing tasks well beyond the minimum required levels.

Question 11

An experienced employee helping less experienced ones solve work-related problems, thus leading to an improvement in the quality/quantity of the recipient's performance is an example of _____.

Accepted Answer

An experienced employee helping less experienced ones solve work-related problems, leading to an improvement in the quality/quantity of the recipient's performance is an example of organizational citizenship behavior.

Question 12

The invention of a new product resulting from an organization encouraging its work teams to be innovative, take risks, and assume a long-term perspective is an example of HRM practices leading to _____.

Accepted Answer

The invention of a new product as the result of an organization encouraging its work teams to be innovative, take risks, and assume a long-term perspective is an example of HRM practices leading to product differentiation.

Question 13

Which of the following is not one of the sixteen HRM practices that enhance competitive advantage?

Accepted Answer

Pfeffer identified 16 HRM practices that, in his opinion, can enhance a firm's competitive advantage. These practices are listed in Taking a Closer Look 1-1.

Question 14

_____ refers to the willingness of employees to engage in behaviors that help the organization achieve its goals.

Accepted Answer

Organizational citizenship behaviors include giving help to others, participating in the political life of the organization, and treating others with respect. All of these behaviors can help organizations achieve their goals.

Question 15

An employee refusing a job offer from a competitor because of the commitment to the current employer is an example of HRM practices leading to _____.

Accepted Answer

An employee refusing a job offer from a competitor because of the commitment to the current employer is an example of HRM practices leading to an organization-centered outcome.

Question 16

_____ refers to efforts by organizations to reduce the number of social categories to diminish the "us" versus "them" thinking.

Accepted Answer

Symbolic egalitarianism: Equality of treatment among employees established by such actions as eliminating executive dining rooms and reserved parking spaces.

Question 17

Which of the following has not been found to effect employee retention?

Accepted Answer

A survey of 8,000 workers in 35 industries found that the most important factors driving employee retention are such things as career growth and learning opportunities, fair pay, company pride, organizational commitment, and employee empowerment.

Question 18

Organization-centered outcomes associated with effective human resource management practices include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Effective human resource management practices can promote employee retention, reduce the organization's exposure to litigation, and help the company develop and maintain a positive company image.

Question 19

_____ can be achieved when the ratio of the number of units produced divided by the total cost of production is increased.

Accepted Answer

Cost leadership is achieved when the ratio of the number of units produced divided by the total cost of production is increased.

Question 20

Which HRM practice involves encouraging the decentralization of decision making?

Accepted Answer

Participation and empowerment involves encouraging the decentralization of decision making and broader worker participation and empowerment in controlling their own work process.

Quiz 1: Human Resource Management and Competitive Advantage