Question 1

What is the primary HR challenge of outsourcing?

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing transfers some of a company's business activities to a subcontractor or third-party provider. However, the company still has legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities for the actions of its subcontractors. It's difficult to enforce quality standards, labor policies, and regulatory obligations outside the company, and it poses risks to the company's reputation, customer satisfaction, and legal liabilities. Therefore, outsourcing the wrong activities can lead to compromising the company's vision and values, losing control over business processes, and putting stakeholders at risk. Hence, managing outsourcing contracts, relationships, and risks is the primary HR challenge of outsourcing.

Question 2

Organizational culture most likely refers to:

Accepted Answer

Organizational culture is defined as the shared beliefs, values, practices and behaviors that characterize an organization or a group. It refers to the way things are done within an organization, and the norms that govern interactions between members of the organization.

Question 3

The manufacturing sector is now growing more rapidly than the service sector in the U.S. economy.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of July 2021, the service-providing sector accounted for approximately 83% of total nonfarm employment, while the goods-producing sector accounted for 17%. Therefore, the service sector is growing more rapidly than the manufacturing sector in the U.S. economy.

Question 4

A human resource tactic refers to a firm's deliberate use of human resources to gain and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A human resource tactic refers to a...

Question 5

A critical ethical issue for HR managers related to technology use in work environments is the:

Accepted Answer

The right to privacy is a critical ethical issue for HR managers when it comes to technology use in work environments. With the widespread use of technology, there are concerns regarding monitoring employee activities and potential breaches of privacy. HR managers must balance the need for monitoring employee activities with respecting their right to privacy.

Question 6

Additional Case 1.1
Managers at Caplin Company are having a strategic planning session with the director of HR. They are discussing the fit between the company's overall management philosophy, organizational structure, organizational culture, and the firm's current HR strategies. During the meeting, the management team asks the HR Director for a profile of the current workforce. The HR Director reports that the workforce used to be 85% white, 50% male. Now it is 50% white, 50% minority with twice as many women as men. Supervisors still tend to be white males.
The management team discusses how to control costs, improve quality, and create distinctive capabilities. Several ideas are raised, discussed, and tabled; some topics are assigned to an individual for further exploration. Managers comment that some workers arrive at start time, take 30 minutes before initiating any work, and begin to pack up for the day 30 minutes before quitting time. Managers also indicate that employees do not seem concerned about working hard or about building quality products.
As the meeting draws to a close, the team briefly discusses the firm's commitment to the surrounding community. As a cost-cutting measure, the firm eliminated its support of an adult literacy program last year. Company facilities were used for conducting reading classes. The management team decides that the firm should reinstate the program and appoints the HR Director to notify the local literacy council.
-Refer to Additional Case 1.1. Caplin's discussion of costs, quality, and capabilities shows that the firm is trying to address the:

Accepted Answer

The discussion of controlling costs, improving quality, and creating distinctive capabilities indicates that Caplin is addressing the organizational challenge of competitive position. This involves ensuring that the company has the necessary resources and capabilities to compete effectively in its industry. The other options listed (environmental challenge of rapid change, individual challenge of matching workers with jobs, and market challenge of changing customer needs) do not align with the specific issues discussed by Caplin managers.

Question 7

Additional Case 1.3
Your company sells high-tech products throughout the world and is following a differentiation business strategy. The business environment for the company is volatile, rapidly changing, and highly complex. The company is highly entrepreneurial and has a strong moral commitment to quality products, employee job satisfaction, and corporate social responsibility. The management team has decided to create a common company culture among the various national and international subsidiaries.
-Refer to Additional Case 1.3. What is the most likely benefit of creating a common culture at the firm?

Accepted Answer

Creating a common culture at the firm is likely to increase cooperation among domestic and international employees. This is because a shared culture will create a sense of belonging and identity, making it easier for employees to work together and collaborate. This will lead to higher levels of teamwork and trust, which will ultimately increase productivity and improve overall performance. While it may also enhance international and domestic recruiting efforts, the primary benefit is likely to be increased cooperation among employees. Lowering overall production costs and minimizing the need for additional employee training are not likely to be direct benefits of creating a common culture.

Question 8

Wilton Carpet and Flooring supports local children's sports teams by providing uniforms and practice gear. Which of the following terms best describes the activities of the firm?

Accepted Answer

The firm's support of local children's sports teams falls under the category of social responsibility, which involves businesses taking actions that promote the well-being of society, including donating to charities, volunteering time and resources, and supporting community initiatives.

Question 9

All of the following are key elements of organizational culture EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Available technology is not a key element of organizational culture as it is constantly changing and evolving with advancements and updates. The other options, working norms, language usage, and dominant values, are all key elements that contribute to the overall culture of an organization.

Question 10

When it comes to managers dealing with ethical issues, it is most safe to say that:

Accepted Answer

Ethical issues can be complex and nuanced, and what may be ethical or unethical may not always be clear cut. Managers often have to weigh various factors and perspectives to make a decision that aligns with their organization's values and ethical standards.

Question 11

One of your best MIS people quit to work for a competitor in a neighboring city. When she left, she took with her a partially completed proposal for an enhanced MIS system that would reduce costs and increase the speed of handling information. You've just experienced a:

Accepted Answer

The situation described is a classic example of brain drain, where a company loses a talented employee who takes their knowledge and ideas to a competitor. The fact that the employee left with a partially completed proposal for an enhanced MIS system that could benefit the competitor underscores the seriousness of the situation. This loss could result in decreased productivity and competitiveness for the company that lost the employee.

Question 12

You are talking with a manager about one of his employees, Tom. The manager describes Tom as a person who has a strong desire to do the best possible job and put in the maximum effort to perform his assigned tasks. The manager is describing Tom's:

Accepted Answer

The manager is describing Tom's motivation, which refers to his internal drive or desire to perform well and put in effort towards his work.

Question 13

Karl is trying to improve company productivity by focusing on employee competence. Karl is focusing on the ________ factor of productivity.

Accepted Answer

Employee competence refers to the skill and ability of the employee to perform their job effectively. Therefore, Karl is focusing on the ability factor of productivity.

Question 14

According to the text, what percentage of new businesses fail in their first year of operation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the text, what percentage of...

Question 15

Empowerment is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Empowerment refers to giving employees the authority and decision-making power to take ownership of their work and make decisions that affect their job responsibilities. It emphasizes trusting employees to make informed decisions and take actions that contribute to the success of the organization. Choices B and C refer to a more authoritarian approach, while choice D refers to employee turnover and not empowerment.

Question 16

Additional Case 1.1
Managers at Caplin Company are having a strategic planning session with the director of HR. They are discussing the fit between the company's overall management philosophy, organizational structure, organizational culture, and the firm's current HR strategies. During the meeting, the management team asks the HR Director for a profile of the current workforce. The HR Director reports that the workforce used to be 85% white, 50% male. Now it is 50% white, 50% minority with twice as many women as men. Supervisors still tend to be white males.
The management team discusses how to control costs, improve quality, and create distinctive capabilities. Several ideas are raised, discussed, and tabled; some topics are assigned to an individual for further exploration. Managers comment that some workers arrive at start time, take 30 minutes before initiating any work, and begin to pack up for the day 30 minutes before quitting time. Managers also indicate that employees do not seem concerned about working hard or about building quality products.
As the meeting draws to a close, the team briefly discusses the firm's commitment to the surrounding community. As a cost-cutting measure, the firm eliminated its support of an adult literacy program last year. Company facilities were used for conducting reading classes. The management team decides that the firm should reinstate the program and appoints the HR Director to notify the local literacy council.
-Refer to Additional Case 1.1. The change in the workforce at Caplin is an example of the environmental challenge of:

Accepted Answer

The change in the workforce at Caplin, from being 85% white and 50% male to 50% white and 50% minority with twice as many women as men, is an example of the environmental challenge of workforce diversity. This change highlights the need for the company to address issues related to diversity and inclusion in its management philosophy, organizational structure, organizational culture, and HR strategies.

Question 17

Many profitable American companies eliminate jobs every year. This trend can most likely be attributed to which of the following factors?

Accepted Answer

Increasing corporate competition often leads companies to cut costs in order to maintain their profitability and competitiveness in the market. Eliminating jobs is one of the ways companies can cut costs. Additionally, advancements in technology have made it possible for companies to automate certain job functions, further contributing to job loss. Decreasing benefits costs or retirement age and increasing union membership are not necessarily related to the trend of job elimination.

Question 18

Additional Case 1.1
Managers at Caplin Company are having a strategic planning session with the director of HR. They are discussing the fit between the company's overall management philosophy, organizational structure, organizational culture, and the firm's current HR strategies. During the meeting, the management team asks the HR Director for a profile of the current workforce. The HR Director reports that the workforce used to be 85% white, 50% male. Now it is 50% white, 50% minority with twice as many women as men. Supervisors still tend to be white males.
The management team discusses how to control costs, improve quality, and create distinctive capabilities. Several ideas are raised, discussed, and tabled; some topics are assigned to an individual for further exploration. Managers comment that some workers arrive at start time, take 30 minutes before initiating any work, and begin to pack up for the day 30 minutes before quitting time. Managers also indicate that employees do not seem concerned about working hard or about building quality products.
As the meeting draws to a close, the team briefly discusses the firm's commitment to the surrounding community. As a cost-cutting measure, the firm eliminated its support of an adult literacy program last year. Company facilities were used for conducting reading classes. The management team decides that the firm should reinstate the program and appoints the HR Director to notify the local literacy council.
-Refer to Additional Case 1.1. Which of the following would most likely improve employee work habits at Caplin?

Accepted Answer

Making adjustments to the firm's organizational culture would be the most likely solution to improve employee work habits at Caplin. The meeting revealed that some employees were not working diligently, and the supervisors tended to be white males, indicating that the existing culture may not be promoting a work environment that encourages all employees to work hard and build quality products. Adjusting the organizational culture can make employees feel valued and motivated to work hard, which can lead to improved work habits. Telecommuting opportunities, outsourcing clerical jobs, and implementing a focus strategy may not necessarily address the underlying issue of poor work habits among employees.

Question 19

Knott's Construction builds one house every month. Mr. Knotts and Scott perform all the structural work themselves while they subcontract the plumbing and electrical work. This subcontracting is an example of:

Accepted Answer

The practice of subcontracting plumbing and electrical work is an example of outsourcing, which refers to the practice of contracting out certain business functions or operations to other companies or individuals. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Question 20

More and more U.S. companies are forming global alliances and trying to develop worldwide cultures in order to smooth over differences among employees.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Many US companies are forming global alliances and attempting to create a shared culture in order to bridge gaps and promote collaboration among employees from different countries.

Quiz 1: Meeting Present and Emerging Strategic Human Resource Challenges