Deck 2: Strategy-Driven Human Resource Management

Question 1

A(n)______ describes what an organization plans to become at a particular point in time in the future.

A) strategy
B) vision
C) mission statement
D) organizational structure

Answer 1

B

Question 2

At Acme Global,the top manager reports to the board of directors.The board is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization,but it can hire or fire top management.This represents the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) shareholders
B) society
C) technology
D) economics

Answer 2

A

Question 3

What is our present situation? Where do we want to go? How do we plan to get there? These are the three questions that build an organization's ______ plan.

A) organizational
B) strategic
C) environmental
D) management

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In the past few years,Acme Global has been fortunate to have a strong talent pool available from which it can draw employees.This reflects the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) society
B) shareholders
C) labor force
D) competition

Question 5

Acme Global recently hired several new employees who worked at a rival organization.Acme Global lured the employees away by offering more pay and better benefits.Acme Global's actions reflect the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) customers
B) competition
C) society
D) suppliers

Question 6

Research has shown that human resource management is an important ______ business function that influences the performance of both large and small organizations.

A) environmental
B) formalization
C) strategic
D) centralization

Question 7

Acme Global had to put its plans to build a new plant on hold when interest rates went up and the organization was not able to borrow enough money to build the plant.This represents the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) shareholders
B) society
C) the economy
D) competition

Question 8

______ is a plan of action designed to achieve a particular set of objectives for an organization.

A) Mission statement
B) Vision
C) Objectives
D) Strategy

Question 9

The ______ environment consists of a series of influences that originate outside the organization and that the organization cannot control.

A) mission
B) vision
C) internal
D) external

Question 10

Strategic advantage occurs when an organization analyzes the ______ better and reacts to it quicker than its competitors do while using all of its internal resources efficiently,thus creating the sustainable competitive advantage.

A) environment
B) employees
C) management
D) vision

Question 11

Acme Global tries to be a good neighbor to the people who live and work in the cities where the organization's plants are located.In one neighborhood,citizens asked Acme Global to identify the location of all its suppliers.When it was discovered that Acme Global used suppliers who were 1,000 miles from the plant,the citizens asked Acme Global to consider using more local suppliers.Acme Global agreed and found similar suppliers closer to its plant.This represents the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) suppliers
B) society
C) technology
D) competition

Question 12

Acme Global recently won a bid to provide a large number of widgets for a government contract.To complete the order,the organization will need to order more raw materials.This will require Acme to rely in part on ______ to ensure organizational success.

A) suppliers
B) shareholders
C) technology
D) competition

Question 13

Internal (company)and external (competitors,customers,governments,etc.)environments largely determine how managers must act to provide the organization with the right combination of people to help the organization reach its ______ goals.

A) environmental
B) formalization
C) strategic
D) organizational

Question 14

Human resource management is a critical component of meeting ______ goals,because without the right people with the right types of education,skills,and mind-set,an organization cannot expect to accomplish its objectives.

A) organizational
B) strategic
C) formalization
D) environmental

Question 15

______ planning is about planning for the long-term future; to be successful,you need to plan using goals and measurable standards.

A) Strategic
B) Organizational
C) Environmental
D) Objectives

Question 16

Acme Global hired a director of safety to help the organization ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act.This represents the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) the economy
B) customers
C) the government
D) suppliers

Question 17

Acme Global created an application that allows customers to send in orders quickly and easily.Since rolling out the new app,orders have increased by 20%.This represents the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) labor force
B) shareholders
C) technology
D) competition

Question 18

Acme Global seeks to hire skilled employees who are willing to use their creativity to improve the organization's products and services.Acme Global does this because the organization recognizes the influence of ______ in the external environment on the organization.

A) suppliers
B) shareholders
C) technology
D) customers

Question 19

The managers and executives at Acme Global have decided on a statement that identifies what they expect the business to become within 6 years.They have identified Acme Global's ______.

A) goals
B) mission
C) vision
D) environmental awareness

Question 20

A vision provides a ______ for the future.It describes where the organization is headed.

A) focus point
B) formal plan
C) specific plan
D) mission

Question 21

Acme Global is trying to predict and prepare for what its competitors will do next.In a way,Acme Global is scrambling and jockeying for position in the market.This attempt to predict and prepare is part of the ______ section of the five-forces analysis.

A) power of suppliers
B) power of buyers
C) threat of substitute products and services
D) rivalry among competitors

Question 22

Christina recommends that the organization invest in creating a strong brand image so consumers will be willing to pay more for its product than they are willing to pay for its competitor's product.Christina is recommending the ______ strategy.

A) branding
B) cost leadership
C) differentiation
D) focus

Question 23

An organization following a ______ strategy will be concerned with finding employees who are flexible and adaptable,who have the ability to innovate and create new processes,and who can work in uncertain environments within cross-functional teams.

A) generic cost leadership
B) focus
C) mission
D) differentiation

Question 24

Acme Global is considering what the organization will look like in 10 years and what the vision of the organization is.From this,it is clear that Acme Global is trying to answer which of the following major strategic question?

A) What is our present situation?
B) Where do we want to go?
C) How do we plan to get there?
D) What should our strategy be?

Question 25

An organization following a ______ strategy will be most interested in minimizing all internal costs,including employee costs.Such an organization will be concerned with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

A) differentiator
B) generic cost leadership
C) niche
D) vision

Question 26

A powerful vision combined with a well-identified mission work together in an organization to create ______.

A) focus
B) employability
C) product analysis
D) cultural awareness

Question 27

Acme Global managers and executives have created a statement describing expectations of what the organization is going to do to become the organization that has been envisioned.In other words,Acme Global has created a(n)______.

A) vision
B) organizational structure
C) mission statement
D) strategy

Question 28

Andrew recommends that the organization do everything it can to lower the organizational costs required to produce widgets while still charging customers the same price for the product.Andrew is recommending the ______ strategy.

A) cost cutting
B) cost leadership
C) differentiation
D) niche

Question 29

On its website,Acme Global published a statement of what the various organizational units will do and what each will accomplish to fulfill the organization's vision.This is a ______ statement.

A) strategy
B) mission
C) HR scorecard
D) structure

Question 30

Differentiation attempts to create an impression of difference for the company's product or service in the mind of the ______.

A) manager
B) customer
C) employee
D) shareholder

Question 31

On its website,Acme Global published a statement of what it expects to become as an organization in 10 years.It does not say how Acme Global will achieve this future state.This is a ______ statement.

A) mission
B) strategy
C) vision
D) culture

Question 32

The Snapple products produced by Dr.Pepper follow the ______ strategy.

A) cost leader
B) price leader
C) differentiation
D) focus or niche

Question 33

Acme Global has endeavored to drive out all unnecessary business expenses in its operations.Acme Global is likely following a ______ strategy.

A) niche
B) cost leader
C) focus leader
D) differentiation

Question 34

Acme Global is examining whether their products satisfy their customers' current needs and considering whether they have the right kind of workforce in place.From this,it is clear that Acme Global is trying to answer which of the following major strategic questions?

A) What is our present situation?
B) Where do we want to go?
C) How do we plan to get there?
D) What should our strategy be?

Question 35

Acme Global is seeking information on how to create a plan that will allow it to reach its goals.In doing so,Acme Global is trying to answer which of the following major strategic questions?

A) What is our present situation?
B) Where do we want to go?
C) How do we plan to get there?
D) What should our mission be?

Question 36

A strong vision and a good mission statement are critical parts of the ______ planning process.

A) environmental
B) mission
C) informal
D) strategic

Question 37

Walmart is well-known for following the ______ strategy.

A) cost leader
B) price leader
C) broad differentiation
D) niche based on differentiation

Question 38

Nike and Coca-Cola are well-known for following the ______ strategy.

A) cost leader
B) price leader
C) differentiation
D) focus or niche

Question 39

Victor recommends that the organization focus on selling its products to people aged 65 and older.Victor is recommending the ______ strategy.

A) senior
B) cost leadership
C) differentiation
D) niche

Question 40

In most organizations,the mission is generally narrower and more ______ than the vision.

A) general
B) formal
C) specific
D) informal

Question 41

______ is the degree to which decision-making is concentrated within the organization.

A) Data analytics
B) Formalization
C) Centralization
D) Complexity

Question 42

In organizational structure,______ refers to how the organization is broken up laterally.This usually is done by breaking the organization up into departments.

A) vertical differentiation
B) formalization
C) spatial differentiation
D) horizontal differentiation

Question 43

In organizational structure,______ deals with the physical separation of different parts of the organization.

A) horizontal differentiation
B) spatial differentiation
C) vertical differentiation
D) complexity

Question 44

Acme Global is considering expanding the number of suppliers it uses.It is concerned that it is too dependent on two suppliers.Acme Global is analyzing the _____ in the five forces model.

A) threat of substitute products and services
B) power of suppliers
C) rivalry among competitors
D) power of buyers

Question 45

______ refers to the way in which an organization groups its resources to accomplish the organization's mission.

A) Strategy
B) Organizational structure
C) Mission statement
D) Objectives

Question 46

In organizational structure,______ refers to how many layers there are in the organization from the top to the bottom.

A) horizontal differentiation
B) complexity
C) vertical differentiation
D) spatial differentiation

Question 47

The SWOT analysis is a process of ______ an organization's available resources in order to make the most of strengths and opportunities while ______ danger to the organization from its weaknesses and threats.

A) balancing; minimizing
B) balancing; eliminating
C) identifying; clarifying
D) practicing; replicating

Question 48

______ consists of the values,beliefs,and assumptions about appropriate behavior that members of an organization share.

A) Organizational culture
B) Data analytics
C) Complexity
D) Formalization

Question 49

______ is the process of establishing and implementing mechanisms to ensure that organizational objectives are achieved.

A) Missioning
B) Visioning
C) Controlling
D) Organizing

Question 50

Acme Global prefers to concentrate decision-making at the top of the organizational chart.This allows the company to focus on hiring good decision makers in only a few jobs.This would indicate that Acme Global has a high degree of ______ in its structure.

A) centralization
B) vertical differentiation
C) horizontal differentiation
D) formalization

Question 51

______ is the degree to which jobs are standardized within an organization.This is the degree to which the organization created policies,procedures,and rules that "program" the jobs of the employees.

A) Organizational culture
B) Data analytics
C) Complexity
D) Formalization

Question 52

In organizational structure,______ refers to the way in which the organization is divided into different segments,both physically and within artificial boundaries such as departments.

A) complexity
B) organizational culture
C) data analytics
D) formalization

Question 53

Acme Global is analyzing whether it needs to prepare for new competition in the industry.It determines that the barriers to enter its market are getting lower.Acme Global is analyzing the ______ in the five forces model.

A) power of buyers
B) rivalry among competitors
C) potential new entrants
D) threat of substitute products and services

Question 54

Acme Global is examining how many contracts it has with "major" purchasers.It considers a "major" purchaser one that purchases more than $1 million of products per year.Acme Global is analyzing the ______ in the five forces model.

A) power of buyers
B) power of suppliers
C) threat of substitute products and services
D) rivalry among competitors

Question 55

In organizational structure,______ is the degree to which three types of differentiation exist within the organization.

A) complexity
B) data analytics
C) formalization
D) organizational culture

Question 56

The jobs at Acme Global are very standardized.Each job has a clear job description and there are many policies,procedures,and rules for employees to follow.This creation of a routine way of doing jobs suggests that Acme Global has a high degree of ______ in its structure.

A) centralization
B) spatial differentiation
C) formalization
D) horizontal differentiation

Question 57

The organizational chart of Acme Global looks like a pyramid.It illustrates the various layers in the organization and provides information on the chain of command.Overall,it provides information on ______ in the organization.

A) centralization
B) vertical differentiation
C) formalization
D) horizontal differentiation

Question 58

______ are statements of what is to be accomplished in singular,specific,and measurable terms,with a target date.

A) Objectives
B) Organizational structure
C) Strategy
D) Vision

Question 59

The written objective "to increase the durability of our product by 20%" is missing which recommended criteria?

A) It does not focus on a single result.
B) It is not specific.
C) It is not measurable.
D) It has no target date.

Question 60

Acme Global is analyzing how it can take customers away from organizations in other industries and whether organizations in other industries could take its customers away.It is analyzing the ______ in the five forces model.

A) power of suppliers
B) threat of substitute products and services
C) potential new entrants
D) rivalry among competitors

Question 61

In organizational culture,______ are values and beliefs that are so deeply ingrained that they are considered unquestionably true.

A) returns
B) assumptions
C) investments
D) scorecards

Question 62

As human resource director,Emmy is entering employee skills and performance appraisal data into a computer.The data will be used in the strategic planning process to determine training needs.Emmy is using a ______.

A) human resource management system
B) organizational chart
C) balanced scorecard
D) social media

Question 63

Rebecca is examining a measure of the financial return the human resources department received for its investment in a new performance appraisal system.The new system cost $3,500 and saved more than $5,000 in payroll expenses.Rebecca is examining the ______.

A) economic value added
B) return on investment
C) gain from investment
D) balanced scorecard

Question 64

______ measures financial,customer service,internal process,and learning and growth (or sustainability)measures.

A) Balanced scorecard
B) Economic value added
C) HR scorecard
D) Human resource management systems

Question 65

______ is a measure of profits that remain after the cost of capital has been deducted from operating profits.

A) Human resource management systems
B) Return on investment
C) Economic value added
D) HR scorecard

Question 66

The three levels of ______ include behavior,values and beliefs,and assumptions.

A) organizational culture
B) organizational structure
C) employees
D) mission and vision

Question 67

______ are interacting database systems that deliver HR information and allow human resource managers to automate some human resource management functions.

A) Return on Investments
B) Human resource management systems
C) HR scorecards
D) Economic value added

Question 68

Holly had an idea for improving the process of recording invoices.When she told her boss about her idea,he told her it was a good idea but the department would stick with the old system.When she asked why they could not change to the new system,her boss would only say,"We have always done it this way and it makes sense to us." This is an example of the ______ level of culture.

A) behavior
B) values and beliefs
C) assumptions
D) objective

Question 69

______ is one of the mechanisms now used to both monitor and-at least partially-control organizational environments.

A) Vision
B) Mission
C) Scorecard
D) Social media

Question 70

The five artifacts of ______ are heroes,stories,slogans,symbols,and ceremonies.

A) organizational structure
B) organizational culture
C) employee levels
D) mission and vision

Question 71

______ is a measure of the financial return the organization receives because of something it did to invest in the organization or its people.

A) Economic value added
B) Human resource management systems
C) Return on investment
D) HR scorecard

Question 72

Executives at Acme Global give awards to high performing employees.The executives believe that if they recognize the performance of a few employees it will inspire all employees to work hard.This type of decision-making is part of the ______ level of culture.

A) behavior
B) values and beliefs
C) assumptions
D) objective

Question 73

Executives at Acme Global display their awards and certificates prominently in their offices.This demonstration of their achievements is part of the ______ level of culture.

A) behavior
B) values and beliefs
C) assumptions
D) formal

Question 74

Because organizational culture is based at least partly on assumptions,values,and beliefs,it is a very powerful force in ______ how people act within its boundaries.

A) analyzing
B) valuing
C) controlling
D) balancing

Question 75

Human resource managers must become comfortable with collecting and analyzing ______ to drive results.

A) workforce science
B) big data
C) data analytics
D) technologies

Question 76

In organizational culture,______ includes the observable things that people do and say or the actions employees take.

A) objectives
B) behavior
C) complexity
D) analytics

Question 77

______ is the process of accessing large amounts of data to analyze those data and gain insight into significant trends or patterns within organizations or industries.

A) Complexity
B) Organizational culture
C) Formalization
D) Data analytics

Question 78

______ involves the collection of extremely large data sets on which it has only recently become possible to perform data analytics.

A) Big data
B) Workforce Science
C) Technologies
D) Data analytics

Question 79

______ is the convergence of human resource management and big data.

A) Technologies
B) Data analytics
C) Economic analysis
D) Workforce science

Question 80

In organizational culture,______ represent the way people believe they ought to behave,and beliefs represent "if,then" statements like "If I do X,then Y will happen."

A) values
B) systems
C) investments
D) resources