Question 1

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.It is particularly important for Swimco to define and develop the behaviours necessary to achieve their organizational capabilities of innovation and customer care.What theory is Swimco applying to its strategic management?

Accepted Answer

The behavioral perspective focuses on how individual and group behaviors within an organization influence its effectiveness and performance. By emphasizing the development of specific behaviors to enhance innovation and customer care, Swimco is aligning with the principles of the behavioral perspective. This approach considers the human actions and interactions as central to achieving strategic objectives.

Question 2

Refer to Scenario: Swimco."Our company is committed to making our customers feel confident in swimwear so they can be free to enjoy some of the best experiences of their lives." What type of statement is this quote an example of?

Accepted Answer

The quote is an example of a value statement, as it expresses Swimco's belief in the importance of helping customers feel confident in swimwear.

Question 3

According to your textbook,which of the following does NOT use a differentiation strategy?

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook, IBM is known for its cost-leadership strategy, not differentiation strategy. BMW, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Rolex all use differentiation strategies.

Question 4

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.Fit is an important consideration in Swimco's HR strategic planning.What is it called when Swimco fits its HR strategy between its HR functions (i.e. ,training)and across its other business functions (i.e. ,accounting)?

Accepted Answer

Internal fit refers to aligning HR strategy with HR functions and across other business functions, which is exactly what Swimco is doing. External fit, on the other hand, refers to aligning HR strategy with external factors such as the labor market and industry trends. Best fit and organizational fit are more general terms that can refer to any type of alignment or fit within an organization.

Question 5

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.When planning,Swimco's corporate leadership team reviewed the company's business plans not only to ensure consistency with their HR strategy but also to provide input to their strategy,based on HR strengths and weaknesses.What approach is Swimco using to link its HR processes to their strategy?

Accepted Answer

Swimco is using an approach that involves a reciprocal relationship between business strategy and HR strategy, where both inform and influence each other. This is evident from the fact that they are reviewing business plans for consistency with HR strategy and also using HR strengths and weaknesses to provide input to their strategy.

Question 6

Fit is an important consideration when designing HR programs.What is it called when an organization fits its HR strategy to other functional areas?

Accepted Answer

Internal fit refers to aligning HR strategy with other functional areas within an organization, such as operations, finance, and marketing. This ensures that HR programs are integrated and support the overall business objectives of the organization. Best fit refers to aligning HR practices to the specific needs and goals of the organization, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. External fit refers to aligning HR practices with external factors such as industry trends, labor market conditions, and legal requirements. Organizational fit refers to aligning HR practices with the culture, values, and structure of the organization. While all of these concepts are important considerations in designing HR programs, the question specifically asks about aligning HR strategy with other functional areas, which is internal fit. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Question 7

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.Which of Porter's competitive business strategies is Swimco applying?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refer to Scenario: Swimco.Which of Porter's competitive...

Question 8

Four Seasons Hotels competes on service excellence.It invests in HR systems for service quality,such as selecting,training,and rewarding employees' service-related skills.What theory is being applied by Four Seasons Hotels.

Accepted Answer

The theory being applied by Four Seasons Hotels is the human capital theory, which emphasizes on investing in employees' skills and knowledge to improve organizational performance. By investing in HR systems such as selecting, training, and rewarding employees' service-related skills, Four Seasons Hotels is enhancing the human capital of the organization, which in turn, will provide a competitive advantage through service excellence.

Question 9

If a company uses a differentiation strategy,what is it more concerned with relative to equity with the external market?

Accepted Answer

A company using a differentiation strategy is more concerned with internal equity rather than external equity. This is because they are focused on creating a unique product or service that sets them apart from the competition, rather than pricing their product or service in line with market norms. Therefore, internal equity, or ensuring fairness within the company's pay structure, is more important to maintain employee motivation and productivity.

Question 10

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.What is the primary reason that Swimco's HRM leadership team aligns their HR policies,practices,and philosophies with their organizational strategy?

Accepted Answer

Aligning HR policies, practices, and philosophies with the organizational strategy helps facilitate the attainment of organizational goals and objectives through their HR systems. It ensures that HR practices are in line with the overall strategy of the organization and that the HR function is contributing to achieving organizational success.

Question 11

According to classical economics,what are the three most important resources or inputs?

Accepted Answer

According to classical economics, the three most important resources or inputs are labor, capital, and land. These are known as the factors of production and are essential in the production of goods and services.

Question 12

Refer to Scenario: "Tentree Apparel." Tentree Apparel is most likely to gain a sustained competitive advantage through its people by using which of the following programs?

Accepted Answer

A program where employee talent is organized, difficult to imitate, rare, and valuable aligns with the resource-based view of gaining a sustained competitive advantage. This approach focuses on leveraging unique resources that are not easily replicated by competitors.

Question 13

What percentage of payroll do Canadian organizations typically pay for fringe benefits for their employees?

Accepted Answer

According to a survey conducted by the Conference Board of Canada, Canadian organizations typically pay around 30 percent of their payroll for employee fringe benefits.

Question 14

Human resources management (HRM)can be viewed as an umbrella term that encompasses three elements.What are these three elements?

Accepted Answer

The three elements of HRM are generally considered to be philosophies (the underlying beliefs and values guiding HRM), policies (the written guidelines and rules governing HRM), and practices (the actions and behaviors of HR professionals and employees in carrying out HRM).

Question 15

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.Why might Swimco's current focus on quality online customer service be an effective strategy for the retailer?

Accepted Answer

Swimco's focus on quality online customer service is effective because it is unique and difficult for other swimwear retailers to replicate. This helps Swimco stand out in the market and attract and retain customers.

Question 16

What kind of strategy is an organization using if it attempts to pay wages slightly below industry norms?

Accepted Answer

The organization is using a lag strategy by paying wages slightly below industry norms. This means that the organization is trying to save costs by paying lower wages than its competitors. However, this may lead to employees leaving the organization for better-paying jobs and may result in recruitment and retention difficulties.

Question 17

Refer to Scenario: "Tentree Apparel." Which of Porter's competitive business strategies is Tentree Apparel applying?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refer to Scenario: "Tentree Apparel." Which of...

Question 18

Refer to Scenario: Swimco.Through its e-commerce initiative,Swimco is transitioning from local to national in its market position.What type of strategy is Swimco adopting?

Accepted Answer

Swimco is adopting a growth strategy by expanding its market position from local to national through its e-commerce initiative.

Question 19

Refer to Scenario: "Tentree Apparel." Why is strategic HR planning important to Tentree Apparel?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refer to Scenario: "Tentree Apparel." Why is...

Question 20

According to your textbook,what is the annual turnover rate for organizations using a low-cost provider strategy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to your textbook,what is the annual...

Quiz 2: Aligning HR With Strategy