Question 1

A ________ is the time it takes to complete a job.
A)work cycle
B)work week
C)shift
D)duty

Accepted Answer

A) A work cycle is the time it takes to complete a job,which may be one minute for an assembly-line worker or weeks for an engineer.Managers collecting data for a job analysis may observe a worker on the job for a complete work cycle and take notes of the worker's activities.

Question 2

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.

Accepted Answer

D) Managers should make sure that the job analysis process and the questions asked to employees are clear.Several tools should be used to gather information rather than only one,and employees and supervisors typically complete questionnaires rather than HR managers.Supervisors should be included in group interviews.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

A) Joaquin has been asked to keep a diary or a log of his work activities.With diaries and logs,an employee records every activity and the time spent on each in a log,which provides a complete picture of the job.Diaries and logs are often used in conjunction with interviews,observations,and questionnaires.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

A) Allowing employees to review and modify the information collected about their current positions provides the opportunity to confirm that the data is correct and complete,which may help gain employee acceptance of the job analysis data and conclusions.Job specifications and job descriptions are created after employees review the collected data.

Question 5

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.

Accepted Answer

D) The primary drawback of questionnaires is the time required to develop questionnaires and test them to ensure that workers understand the questions.Questionnaires can be structured or open-ended,and many are a combination of the two.Questionnaires are less costly than interviews.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

A) Job specifications summarize the personal qualities,traits,skills,and background required for getting a job done.Murray,Inc.wants detail-oriented,motivated employees,which would be described in the firm's job specifications.Job descriptions address the activities and responsibilities of a job.Both job descriptions and job specifications are products of a job analysis.

Question 7

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
E)costs associated with the technology needed for a job analysis

Accepted Answer

C) Conducting a job analysis can be time-consuming because it may take days to interview multiple employees and their managers,which is why an abbreviated version is often used by managers.The information gathered through a job analysis is typically verifiable and useful,and the main cost is time rather than money.Although management training may be necessary to perform an adequate job analysis,it is unlikely that certification is required.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

D) According to the fifth step of a job analysis,collected data should be confirmed with the worker performing the job and his/her immediate supervisor.Although HR managers play a role in the job analysis process by observing workers,it is the worker and his/her immediate supervisor that provide direct knowledge of the duties involved in a specific job.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

A) A structured list or checklist is useful for guiding an interview or performing a personal observation.Electronic diaries are completed by the worker and would not be used for observations or interviews.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

D) A diary or a log requires workers to make daily listings of the activities in which they engage as well as the amount of time each activity takes.Diaries and logs can be useful in the job analysis process because they often produce a complete picture of the job,especially when used in conjunction with an interview.

Question 11

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)questionnaire

Accepted Answer

D) Questionnaires are particularly useful for quantifying a job's worth for the purpose of compensation.Direct observation is useful when jobs involve mostly physical work.Logs and diaries can provide detailed information about a worker's activities,but the tendency of some employees to exaggerate makes logs/diaries less appropriate for quantifying the worth of a job.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

C) The fourth step in analyzing a job requires collecting data about job activities,required employee behaviors,working conditions,and human traits and abilities needed to perform the job.Interviews,questionnaires,and observations are the most popular methods for gathering data.It is unlikely that data regarding employee turnover rates would be gathered during a job analysis.

Question 13

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.

Accepted Answer

B) The primary disadvantage of conducting employee interviews for the purpose of gathering job analysis data is the distortion of information.Employees may misunderstand the purpose of the interview and either purposely or mistakenly provide incorrect information.Interviews are considered a simple method for collecting detailed job information especially regarding uncommon but important employee activities.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

A) The final step in the job analysis process involves developing a job description and job specifications,which are the two tangible products of a job analysis.This step occurs after job data has been collected and validated,and background information has been reviewed.

Question 15

Which data collection method is most frequently used in conjunction with direct observation?
A)interview
B)questionnaire
C)electronic log
D)survey

Accepted Answer

A) Managers frequently combine direct observation with personal interviews to gather job analysis information.Often,managers observe the worker for a complete work cycle to gather as much information as possible,and then they follow up with an interview to gain clarification.Another option is to observe and interview at the same time by asking the worker questions as he or she works.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

C) Direct observation is particularly useful when jobs consist mainly of observable physical activities,such as with nurses,accounting clerks,assembly-line workers,and salespersons.Observation is less appropriate when a job involves mostly mental activity such as with lawyers and design engineers.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

D) Typical questions for job analysis interviews address subjects such as the job's major duties,hazardous conditions,performance standards,and required experience and education.It is less likely that an interviewer would ask an employee questions not related specifically to the job,such as personal questions about the worker's hobbies and free time.

Question 18

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 group interview with a supervisor
D)conducting telephone surveys of all employees

Accepted Answer

C) When a large number of employees perform similar or identical work,conducting a group interview is a fast way to gather information.In most cases,the workers' immediate supervisor attends the group session.It would be costly and time consuming to observe each worker.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

B) Some firms provide employees with pocket dictating machines and pagers to keep diaries and logs.At random times during the day,the employee is paged.The employee then dictates what he or she is doing.With this method,employers do not have to rely on workers to remember what they did hours earlier when they complete their logs at the end of the day,which was the main problem with paper/pencil diaries.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

C) Reactivity occurs when a worker changes what he or she normally does because observation is taking place for the purpose of job analysis.Knowing that they are being watched may cause some workers to alter their normal work behaviors either on purpose or accidentally.

Quiz 4: Job Analysis and the Talent Management Process

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

What is the final step in conducting a job analysis?

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

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

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

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?

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?

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