Question 1

_________ is the degree to which jobs are standardized within an organization, meaning the degree to which we have created policies, procedures, and rules that "program" the jobs of the employees.

Accepted Answer

Formalization refers to the degree of standardization of job roles within an organization. It includes the level of policies, procedures, and rules that are set to govern employee behavior and job duties.

Question 2

Shaun 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.Shaun is recommending the ________ strategy.

Accepted Answer

Shaun is recommending a cost leadership strategy, which involves reducing the costs of production while maintaining the same price for the product. This allows the company to offer a lower price than competitors, while still generating profit. Cost cutting may involve reducing expenses, but not necessarily with the goal of maintaining the same price for the product. Differentiation involves offering unique features or benefits that stand out from competitors, while niche involves targeting a specific, narrow segment of the market.

Question 3

The written objective "to reduce theft of electronic merchandise by 20 percent" is missing which recommended criteria?

Accepted Answer

The objective lacks a target date, which is necessary to determine by when the 20 percent reduction should be achieved.

Question 4

The written objective "to introduce 12 new computers to the market" is missing which recommended criteria?

Accepted Answer

The objective lacks a target date, which is essential for determining when the goal should be achieved.

Question 5

On its website, the Acme Global Corporation 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.

Accepted Answer

A vision statement typically outlines an organization's aspiration for the future without detailing specific actions to achieve it. Mission statements are more specific and focus on the organization's purpose and values. Strategies are the actions and plans to achieve the mission and vision. Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, and practices of an organization. Goals are specific, measurable objectives to achieve the mission and vision.

Question 6

On its website, the Acme Global Corporation 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.

Accepted Answer

A mission statement outlines what an organization does, how they do it, and their overall purpose. The statement described in the question fits this definition and is not related to strategy, HR scorecards, structure, or goals.

Question 7

Acme Global is figuring out what they need to do in order to become the company they envisioned.Acme Global is engaged in creating a:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Acme Global is figuring out what they...

Question 8

A company following the ____________ strategy approach might focus on hiring flexible and adaptable employees.

Accepted Answer

Differentiation strategy is when a company offers unique and superior value to its customers by focusing on product quality, branding, or customer service. Hiring flexible and adaptable employees would help with this strategy as it would allow the company to adapt to changing customer needs and preferences more quickly. Cost leader strategy focuses on offering products or services at a lower cost than competitors. Niche strategy involves serving a specific target market. Customer-driven strategy involves understanding and meeting the needs and wants of customers.

Question 9

Aileen 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.Aileen is recommending the ________ strategy.

Accepted Answer

Aileen is recommending the differentiation strategy, which focuses on creating a unique and strong brand image that distinguishes the product from competitors and allows consumers to perceive greater value, justifying a higher price point. Cost leadership strategy focuses on achieving the lowest costs in the industry, while focus strategy targets a specific niche market. Branding is a component of differentiation strategy, but alone it is not a strategy.

Question 10

When hiring individuals based on individual knowledge and skills sets and not necessarily for jobs that need to be filled, HRM is probably supporting the company's _______________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When hiring individuals based on individual knowledge...

Question 11

A powerful vision combined with a well-identified mission work together to create:

Accepted Answer

A powerful vision and a well-identified mission together provide a clear focus for an individual or organization to work towards achieving their goals. It helps them to stay aligned with their values and purpose, and prioritize their efforts and resources towards achieving their desired outcomes.

Question 12

When a company decides to follow a cost leadership strategy, HRM is mostly concerned with _______________.

Accepted Answer

The primary objective of a cost leadership strategy is to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of the organization, including HRM. HRM is responsible for ensuring that the company's workforce is operating at maximum efficiency and effectiveness while keeping costs low, which requires careful planning and management of resources. Therefore, HRM should focus on strategies such as reducing employee turnover rates, improving training and development programs, and implementing cost-effective performance and compensation systems.

Question 13

Sara and Dan are working on a statement for a start-up organic farm.One statement reads: "To become the southeast region's number one choice for supplying organically-grown fruits and vegetables." Sara and Dan are writing:

Accepted Answer

This statement represents a vision statement, which outlines the long-term goals and aspirations of the organization. The statement articulates the company's vision to become the top provider of organically-grown fruits and vegetables in a specific region, indicating a clear picture of where the company aims to be in the future.

Question 14

Acme Global has endeavored to drive out all unnecessary business expenses in their steel industry operations.Acme Global is likely following a _________ strategy.

Accepted Answer

Acme Global's approach of eliminating unnecessary expenses suggests that they are attempting to become a cost leader in the steel industry, producing steel products at the lowest cost possible.

Question 15

__________ is the degree to which different parts of the organization are segregated from one another.

Accepted Answer

Complexity refers to the degree to which different parts of the organization are segregated from one another. This can encompass the number of hierarchical levels, the number of departments, and the degree of differentiation between job roles.

Question 16

A company using the differentiation strategy relies upon the _________ to maintain an advantage over its competitors.

Accepted Answer

The differentiation strategy relies upon the real or perceived difference between the company's products or services and those of its competitors to maintain a competitive advantage. This difference can be in the form of unique features, quality, design, or branding, which customers are willing to pay a premium for.

Question 17

__________ lower organizational costs required to produce their product or service.

Accepted Answer

Cost leaders are focused on reducing organizational costs to produce their product or service in order to achieve a competitive advantage over their competitors. They aim to offer the same or similar quality products at a lower price than their competitors, which requires them to focus on operational efficiencies and cost cutting measures. Differentiators and niche operators may focus on other areas such as unique features or targeting a specific market segment, which may lead to higher costs.

Question 18

"We will increase revenues by $1 million in the next fiscal year" is what kind of statement?

Accepted Answer

The statement is an objective, as it is a specific and measurable goal to achieve in the next fiscal year. A mission is a statement of the organization's overall purpose and values, a vision is a statement of where the organization wants to be in the future, clarifiers provide additional information or context to clarify goals or objectives, and strategies are the plans and actions taken to achieve objectives.

Question 19

__________is the way in which an organization groups its resources to accomplish its mission.

Accepted Answer

Organizational structure is the way in which an organization groups its resources such as people, technology, and materials to accomplish its mission. It defines the hierarchical relationships, roles, and responsibilities within an organization. Vision represents the long-term aspirations of an organization, organizational culture refers to the shared values and beliefs that guide behaviors and decisions, centralization refers to the degree of decision-making authority held by top management, and formalization pertains to the extent to which rules and procedures govern organizational activities.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Brian is recommending a niche strategy, which involves focusing on a specific segment of the market (in this case, people aged 65 and older). This is different from a senior strategy, which would involve targeting all seniors regardless of age. Cost leadership and differentiation strategies are broader in scope and not specific to a particular age group.

Quiz 2: Strategy-Driven Human Resource Management