Deck 17: Human Resource Policies and Practices

Question 1

Between the late 1960s and the mid-1980s, the use of written tests declined because they were characterized as ________.

A) unprofessional
B) discriminatory
C) unreliable
D) invalid
E) mathematically flawed

Answer 1

B
Explanation: Long popular as selection devices, written tests declined in use between the late 1960s and mid-1980s, especially in the United States. They were frequently characterized as discriminatory, and many organizations had not validated them as job related.

Question 2

Strategic recruiting has become a cornerstone for many companies, with some of the most effective recruiting techniques including internal referrals and internship programs.

Answer 2

True
Explanation: Strategic recruiting has become a cornerstone for many companies, in which recruiting practices are developed in alignment with long-term strategic goals. As for defining "success" in recruiting, most research suggests that the best system attracts candidates who are highly knowledgeable about the job and the organization. Such candidates are likely to have a better fit between their skills and the job requirements, and to be more satisfied in the jobs they take. Consistent with these findings, some of the most effective recruiting techniques include internal referrals, internship programs, and other methods that give potential applicants enough information to evaluate the roles they may be occupying adequately.

Question 3

During a selection process, the ________ selection stage immediately follows the initial selection stage.

A) cognitive
B) associative
C) analytic
D) behavioral
E) substantive

Answer 3

E
Explanation: If an applicant passes the initial screens, next are substantive selection methods. These are the heart of the selection process and include written tests, performance tests, and interviews.

Question 4

Performance-simulation tests have higher ________, which measures whether applicants perceive the measures to be accurate.

A) nominal validity
B) nominal reasonability
C) face cognition
D) face validity
E) face legitimacy

Question 5

Charlie Woods started working for E-Z Freeze, a major frozen food company, as a college intern. Most recently, Charlie had held the position of VP Marketing. Now however, as a result of a change in corporate leadership, Charlie finds himself unemployed for the first time in decades. Looking for a new job has been an eye-opening experience for Charlie. He has been especially frustrated with his lack of success in getting even a call back for the applications he has completed online. Which of the following best describes why Charlie may not be getting the initial feedback he thinks he should be receiving?

A) His online applications don't have the right keywords.
B) His background checks have been negative.
C) He is unwilling to relocate.
D) He lacks cross-company experience.
E) He lacks cultural diversity.

Question 6

Which of the following is most likely to be an initial selection device?

A) technical interview
B) drug test
C) written test
D) background check
E) work sample test

Question 7

Which of the following have/has proven to be a particularly good predictor for jobs that include cognitively complex tasks?

A) intelligence tests
B) integrity evaluations
C) work sampling
D) drug tests
E) behavioral assessment

Question 8

Define initial selection and identify the devices used during the initial selection stage.

Question 9

Companies are increasingly turning away from outside recruiting agencies and relying on their own executives and HR professionals for talent searches.

Question 10

Elaborate sets of performance-simulation tests specifically designed to evaluate a candidate's managerial potential are ________.

A) less effective than work sampling
B) administered in assessment centers
C) similar to personality tests
D) considered drawbacks of some management development programs
E) likely to skew the results of behavioral samples

Question 11

Letters of recommendation are a form of background check.

Question 12

Written tests are used during the ________ stage of the selection process.

A) cognitive
B) associative
C) analytic
D) substantive
E) initial

Question 13

Scarlett has received authorization to add an assistant manager to her department. This person will be working closely with Scarlett and must have excellent interpersonal as well as technical skills. Scarlett wants to make certain that she maximizes the chance of choosing the correct individual and is trying to decide on the most appropriate selection device.
Which of the following is most likely to be used by Scarlett during the initial selection stage to check if an applicant meets the basic qualifications for a job?

A) assessment center
B) drug test
C) application form
D) work sample test
E) integrity test

Question 14

Assessment centers are typically used to evaluate a candidate's ________ potential.

A) linguistic
B) technical
C) cognitive
D) managerial
E) analytical

Question 15

Performance-simulation tests have lower face validity (which measures whether applicants perceive the measures to be accurate) than written tests.

Question 16

Stefan is looking for a job. Today he went to the Web site of Qriosity Inc., where he filled out an online application and attached a copy of his resume. In which part of the selection process is Stefan?

A) physical selection
B) job offer
C) initial selection
D) contingent selection
E) substantive selection

Question 17

Which of the following is a form of background check?

A) aptitude test
B) offer letter
C) letters of recommendation
D) application form
E) work-sample test

Question 18

The goal of initial selection is to determine the most qualified applicants from among those who meet basic qualifications.

Question 19

Which of the following is most likely to be used for preliminary "rough cuts" to decide whether an applicant meets the basic qualifications for a job?

A) drug test
B) application form
C) HR interview
D) written test
E) technical interview

Question 20

In assessment centers, candidates are evaluated as they go through several days of exercises that simulate real problems they would confront on the job.

Question 21

The behavioral structured interview is built on the assumption that ________.

A) past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior
B) technical knowledge and skills are the best predictor of job performance
C) personality is the best predictor of job performance
D) personality and mood are highly correlated
E) technical knowledge and job performance are highly correlated

Question 22

Scarlett has received authorization to add an assistant manager to her department. This person will be working closely with Scarlett and must have excellent interpersonal as well as technical skills. Scarlett wants to make certain that she maximizes the chance of choosing the correct individual and is trying to decide on the most appropriate selection device.
Which of the following is a common contingent selection method?

A) IQ test
B) interview
C) interest inventory
D) drug test
E) work sample test

Question 23

Describe and discuss work-sample tests and assessment centers and the contexts in which they can be used effectively.

Question 24

A test that measures factors such as dependability, carefulness, responsibility, and honesty is referred to as a task variability test.

Question 25

Describe and discuss three substantive selection devices used to assess job candidates once they have passed an initial screening.

Question 26

Which of the following tends to have a disproportionate amount of influence on employee selection decisions?

A) interview
B) written test
C) performance-simulation test
D) work sampling method
E) personality test

Question 27

Lewis is a sales representative for his company. He is attending a company training program about the types of expenses that are considered legal deductions for tax purposes and how to distinguish between personal expenses and business expenses. Lewis is attending training to improve his ________ skills.

A) literacy
B) problem-solving
C) interpersonal
D) ethical
E) technical

Question 28

Which of the following statements is most likely to be true regarding behavioral structured interviews?

A) They are most useful when interviewing knowledge workers.
B) They increase an interviewer's reliance on his or her "gut feelings."
C) They are conducted in a similar manner as audition-type interviews.
D) They are useful only for interviewing nonskilled workers.
E) They increase the effectiveness of the interview technique.

Question 29

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, firms cannot require employees to pass a medical exam before or after a job offer is made.

Question 30

Scarlett has received authorization to add an assistant manager to her department. This person will be working closely with Scarlett and must have excellent interpersonal as well as technical skills. Scarlett wants to make certain that she maximizes the chance of choosing the correct individual and is trying to decide on the most appropriate selection device.
Due to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, job applicants ________.

A) can be subjected to a drug test only if they are being considered for senior-level management positions
B) are never required to submit to a physical exam for a job
C) cannot be subjected to a work sample test after a contingent job offer
D) cannot be subjected to behavioral assessment tests before a contingent offer
E) may be required to undergo a medical examination after they receive a contingent offer

Question 31

Scarlett has received authorization to add an assistant manager to her department. This person will be working closely with Scarlett and must have excellent interpersonal as well as technical skills. Scarlett wants to make certain that she maximizes the chance of choosing the correct individual and is trying to decide on the most appropriate selection device.
Drug testing is controversial. Which of the following is an argument used against drug testing?

A) The results of drug tests can be faked easily.
B) Drug use is a private matter.
C) Drug tests are costly.
D) Drug tests are generally inaccurate.
E) Drug tests are injurious to a person's health.

Question 32

Describe disadvantages of the interview.

Question 33

A common contingent check just prior to employment is a drug test.

Question 34

Applicants describe how they handled specific problems and situations in previous jobs in a(n) ________ interview.

A) behavioral structured
B) audition-type
C) performance-simulation
D) problem-solving
E) reflection

Question 35

Scarlett has received authorization to add an assistant manager to her department. This person will be working closely with Scarlett and must have excellent interpersonal as well as technical skills. Scarlett wants to make certain that she maximizes the chance of choosing the correct individual and is trying to decide on the most appropriate selection device.
In order to assess the management skills of the applicants and managerial potential, Scarlet should ________.

A) use an assessment center
B) verify the applicants' job histories
C) conduct a medical test
D) conduct a drug test
E) conduct a behavioral assessment test

Question 36

By training employees on how to be better listeners, organizations attempt to improve their ________ skills.

A) ethical
B) technical
C) problem-solving
D) interpersonal
E) cultural

Question 37

Compare and contrast unstructured interview and behavioral structured interview.

Question 38

Describe the contingent selection stage in the selection process.

Question 39

Briefly explain any three types of written tests that are typically used in the employee selection process.

Question 40

Most training is directed at upgrading and improving an employee's ________ skills.

A) financial
B) technical
C) problem-solving
D) interpersonal
E) social

Question 41

Treating co-workers with respect, making constructive suggestions, and saying positive things about the workplace are a part of the ________ behavior that constitutes performance at work.

A) citizenship
B) counterproductivity
C) social loafing
D) deviant workplace
E) satisficing

Question 42

You are involved in training and development for your division at Dunder Mifflin Inc. You want to target some specific organizational problems through training.
You are introducing self-managed teams and implementing quality-management programs. It would be important to conduct training in ________ skills.

A) basic literacy
B) technical
C) interpersonal
D) problem-solving
E) interdependence

Question 43

Describe the four general skill categories addressed by most employee training activities.

Question 44

Which of the following is most likely to be the fastest growing training medium?

A) job rotation
B) live classroom lectures
C) apprenticeships
D) formal mentoring program
E) e-training

Question 45

________ training involves employees helping each other out at the workplace in an unplanned and unstructured environment.

A) Formal
B) Ethics
C) Interpersonal
D) Informal
E) Classroom

Question 46

You have just been appointed as director of your company's corporate training division. The CEO of your company has been displeased with your company's prior training programs, so you are tasked with rehauling the entire training division. You convene a meeting of all training division managers to decide on the types of training that the division will implement. One of your managers is a firm supporter of e-training programs for employees in your company's international offices. He touts the benefits of e-programs by stressing that ________.

A) e-training approaches have been proven to result in higher levels of knowledge assimilation
B) e-training is highly flexible and employees can complete the training at their convenience
C) many employees find solitary learning to be highly motivating
D) online learners are less susceptible to distractions
E) e-programs are inexpensive to design and implement

Question 47

Which of the following is an off-the-job training method?

A) job rotation
B) formal mentoring programs
C) Internet courses
D) job enlargement
E) apprenticeship

Question 48

Imagine that you are a manager of a multifaceted manufacturing operation with a new crew of twenty arriving for training. The crew is comprised of different types of learners. Describe a training program comprised of three different sessions that would cater to four different individual learning styles. State whether each of the training sessions would be on-the-job or off-the-job training and whether it is formal or informal.

Question 49

Provide a workplace example of informal training for technical skills and another for problem-solving skills.

Question 50

Compare and contrast between on-the-job training and off-the-job training.

Question 51

You are involved in training and development for your division at Dunder Mifflin Inc. You want to target some specific organizational problems through training.
Your organization is situated in an urban area where many students do not finish high school. You will probably first have to address the skill category termed ________ skills.

A) basic
B) technical
C) interpersonal
D) problem-solving
E) managerial

Question 52

Which of the following is an on-the-job training method?

A) live classroom lectures
B) apprenticeships
C) public seminars
D) podcasts
E) self-study programs

Question 53

Researchers now recognize three major types of behavior that constitute performance at work. Which of the following are these three major types of behavior?

A) task performance, productivity, tenure
B) productivity, efficiency, absenteeism
C) task performance, citizenship, counterproductivity
D) citizenship, counterproductivity, personality
E) leadership, knowledge, efficiency

Question 54

Discuss e-learning.

Question 55

A formal mentoring program is an example of an off-the-job training method.

Question 56

You are involved in training and development for your division at Dunder Mifflin Inc. You want to target some specific organizational problems through training.
Your organization has reduced layers, flattening the organization. Your employees now need to perform a wider variety of tasks. As a result, you need to provide employees with training to help develop their ________ skills.

A) basic literacy
B) technical
C) interpersonal
D) problem solving
E) communication

Question 57

Examples of incivility include being ignored, being blamed for others' mistakes and receiving no credit for your achievements, having your reputation undermined in front of others, and experiencing other situations meant to demean or disparage you or others.

Question 58

Dunder Mifflin Inc. is considering implementing employee ethics training programs. Some members of senior management are opposed to these programs. Their opposition is most likely based on which of the following beliefs?

A) Ethics training is very expensive.
B) Ethics change from country to country.
C) Individual value systems are fixed at an early age.
D) Integrity cannot be taught by example.
E) Ethics training does not help employees to recognize ethical dilemmas.

Question 59

Technical training has become increasingly important because of changes in organizational design.

Question 60

Most formal training involves employees simply helping each other out.

Question 61

Which of the following performance evaluation methods is often used in recommending students to graduate schools?

A) written essays
B) critical incident analysis
C) BARS
D) group order ranking
E) graphic rating scales

Question 62

Which of the following is a forced comparison method of performance evaluation?

A) written essays
B) trait evaluations
C) group order ranking
D) critical incident method
E) graphic rating scales

Question 63

Sirius Corp, an automobile manufacturer in Texas, has a number of vacancies at lower management levels, which is important for the company's future development, and wants to fill the positions from within the company itself rather than recruit externally. The company plans to e-mail the job specifications to all employees and post the jobs on the company Web site.
Which of the following, if true, will strengthen the company's decision?

A) The majority of the company employees have only a basic level of education.
B) The company recently instituted a technical skills improvement program for shop floor employees.
C) A top recruitment agency recently sent the company details of prospective college candidates.
D) Several top performing entry level employees have received offers from rival companies.
E) A majority of the company's employees are reaching the age of retirement.

Question 64

________ involves evaluating one's performance against the performance of one or more others.

A) BARS
B) The critical incident method
C) An assessment center evaluation
D) Forced comparison
E) Likert analysis

Question 65

Which of the following methods of performance evaluation allows for quantitative analysis and comparison?

A) critical incident
B) graphic rating scale
C) assessment center evaluation
D) written essay
E) group order ranking

Question 66

Sirius Corp, an automobile manufacturer in Texas, has a number of vacancies at lower management levels, which is important for the company's future development, and wants to fill the positions from within the company itself rather than recruit externally. The company plans to e-mail the job specifications to all employees and post the jobs on the company Web site.
Which of the following, if true, will weaken the company's decision?

A) The majority of the company's employees have only a basic level of education.
B) The company recently instituted a technical skills improvement program for shop floor employees.
C) The existing shop floor employees have high potential and personal ambition to rise in their careers.
D) Sirius Corp. just opened a new manufacturing facility in New Mexico.
E) Several top performing entry level employees have received offers from rival companies.

Question 67

If a manager uses critical incidents as a method of performance evaluation, then ________.

A) the employees generally receive poor ratings
B) the evaluator's writing skills become the determining factor of the evaluation
C) the employees are more likely to become motivated to achieve their goals
D) the focus of the evaluation will center on specific behaviors
E) the cost of the evaluation is likely to be incredibly high for the organization

Question 68

________ ranking requires the evaluator to place employees into a particular classification, such as top one-fifth or second one-fifth.

A) Individual
B) Group order
C) Paired
D) Fractional
E) Percentile

Question 69

The approach to evaluation that uses feedback from those who have daily contact with an employee (everyone from mailroom personnel to customers to bosses to peers) is termed ________.

A) critical incidents
B) 360-degree evaluation
C) assessment center
D) multiperson comparisons
E) downward evaluation

Question 70

Performance evaluations are used to ________.

A) improve group cohesiveness
B) define departmental structure
C) help management make HR decisions
D) identify how jobs are completed
E) decrease conformity within organizations

Question 71

Most organizations use ________ to assess job performance even though they may not be highly correlated with positive task outcomes.

A) traits
B) task outcomes
C) behaviors
D) personality
E) technical skills

Question 72

Which performance evaluation method requires no complex forms or extensive training to complete?

A) written essays
B) critical incidents
C) graphic rating scales
D) behaviorally anchored rating scales
E) assessment center rating

Question 73

Marcel hates the annual review process he has to do for the employees in his department. Although he is fully aware of some of his employees' faults, he is reluctant to discuss them in person, and is only comfortable writing them in an unsigned report that his supervisor will review. Marcel's behavior demonstrates ________.

A) provision of due process
B) inflated assessment of employee performance
C) organizational citizenship behavior
D) managerial sincerity
E) fear of confrontation

Question 74

When an appraiser rates employees based on items on a continuum with the points reflecting actual behaviors on a given job, this type of evaluation is called ________.

A) BARS
B) critical incident
C) graphic rating scale
D) group order ranking
E) assessment center evaluation

Question 75

Sirius Corp, an automobile manufacturer in Texas, has a number of vacancies at lower management levels, which is important for the company's future development, and wants to fill the positions from within the company itself rather than recruit externally. The company plans to e-mail the job specifications to all employees and post the jobs on the company Web site.
Which of the following terms refers to the actions that actively damage the organization, including stealing, behaving aggressively toward co-workers, and being late or absent?

A) citizenship
B) counterproductivity
C) task orientation
D) satisficing
E) groupthink

Question 76

The concept of ________ can be applied to appraisals to increase the perception that employees are treated fairly.

A) selective evaluation
B) due process
C) multiple raters
D) selective retention
E) counterproductivity

Question 77

Jeeves Consulting requires a performance evaluation method that is less time consuming to develop and administer and allows for quantitative analysis and comparison. An appropriate evaluation technique for Jeeves Consulting would be ________.

A) written essays
B) trait evaluations
C) forced comparisons
D) 360-degree evaluations
E) graphic rating scales

Question 78

________ refers to actions that contribute to the psychological environment of the organization, such as helping others when not required.

A) Citizenship
B) Counterproductivity
C) Satisficing
D) Social loafing
E) Groupthink

Question 79

Which of the following evaluation methods focuses the evaluator's attention on those behaviors that are key to executing a job effectively?

A) forced comparison
B) critical incident
C) graphic rating scale
D) behaviorally anchored rating scale
E) written essay

Question 80

Which approach to performance evaluation rank-orders employees from best to worst?

A) individual ranking
B) group order ranking
C) paired comparison
D) straight ranking
E) associative ranking