Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes phased-in retirement?
A)Retirements are strategically phased to ensure that not all valued employees retire at the same time.
B)Employees are required to make a choice between retiring early with a partial pension or at age 65 with a full pension, thus reducing the number of older employees in phases.
C)The employee's workweek is gradually reduced as vacation time increases and salary is adjusted.
D)The organization schedules retirements to ensure an orderly transition from retiree to replacement employee.

Accepted Answer

Phased-in retirement allows employees to gradually reduce their working hours while adjusting their salary accordingly, often increasing their vacation time as part of the transition into full retirement.

Question 2

Which of the following terms refers to a sequence of work-related positions a person occupies throughout life?
A)career
B)job
C)profession
D)occupation

Accepted Answer

A career refers to a person's overall progression through various work-related positions throughout their life, whereas a job refers to a specific position held at a particular point in time. A profession and occupation are more specific terms that refer to a particular field or type of work that a person may pursue as part of their career.

Question 3

In recent years, a career has come to be viewed as changeable and based on whom you know as well as what you know. Which of the following terms best describes this view?
A)promethean
B)pragmatic
C)problematic
D)protean

Accepted Answer

The term "protean" (option D) refers to the idea of being versatile, adaptable, and able to change based on one's circumstances. This best describes the modern view of careers being changeable and based on networking and skills, rather than being a fixed path. Option A, "promethean," refers to the mythological figure Prometheus and doesn't relate to this idea. Option B, "pragmatic," refers to being practical and focused on results, which is somewhat related but doesn't capture the full meaning. Option C, "problematic," suggests that the viewpoint is flawed or troublesome, which isn't necessarily the case for this topic.

Question 4

Individual-centred career planning focuses around which of the following?
A)succession planning for key positions
B)identifying the organization's future staffing needs
C)developing career ladders
D)reaching life and work goals

Accepted Answer

Individual-centred career planning focuses on helping individuals reach their personal and professional goals, rather than solely on meeting the organization's staffing needs or succession planning. It may involve developing career ladders or pathways, but ultimately it is about supporting individuals in achieving their desired outcomes.

Question 5

You are preparing to offer one of your best managers a position with the overseas branch of your firm. Which of the following concerns is the manager LEAST likely to raise with you?
A)Will my compensation package be permanently enhanced?
B)Will this international experience contribute toward my advancement in this firm?
C)Will I have a mentor at headquarters?
D)Will I have a job with this company when I return?

Accepted Answer

While it is possible that the manager may inquire about compensation, it is unlikely to be their least concern. The other options all relate to the manager's career progression and job security, which are typically top concerns when considering a move to an overseas branch.

Question 6

Which of these phrases best explains what talent management is?
A)a subsidiary of a large corporation that serves as a training ground for organizational leaders
B)a company whose best employees quit to join other firms
C)foreign countries that have most of their university graduates immigrate to Canada.
D)a way to better attract, develop, and retain key human resources

Accepted Answer

Talent management refers to the process of attracting, developing, and retaining employees who have the skills, knowledge, and experience that are critical for an organization's success. It involves identifying high-potential employees and providing them with opportunities for growth and development, as well as creating a work environment that motivates and engages them.

Question 7

Which of the following is a recent development in the typical career?
A)Career paths are outdated; the typical career is marked by lack of progression.
B)A successful career requires steady progression.
C)Careers will include many different positions, transitions, and organizations.
D)A person's early career is marked by stability, but a later career is marked by frequent job changes.

Accepted Answer

In recent years, it has become increasingly common for individuals to have multiple job transitions and work for multiple organizations throughout their career, rather than following a traditional linear career path. This trend has led to the development of the "career lattice" model, which emphasizes lateral movements and skill development rather than upward progression within a single organization.

Question 8

Paul has been in his first job for two months. He is dissatisfied with his supervisor, who seems unsupportive. He misses the lack of specific feedback, worries about the project deadline six months off, and frets at the "vagueness" of his job. While these concerns are real, which of the following is most likely to be a source of unease?
A)no sense of boundaries
B)new-job remorse
C)entry shock
D)failed orientation

Accepted Answer

The described situation is most likely a case of entry shock, which refers to the normal anxiety and stress that new employees may experience when adapting to a new work environment, culture, and expectations. It is common to feel overwhelmed by the newness of everything, and to face difficulties such as getting along with co-workers or adjusting to a different pace. Therefore, it is important for the employer to provide proper support and guidance to ease this transition period. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the general scenario, as there is no evidence of unclear boundaries, regret, or the lack of training as the main culprit for Paul's concerns.

Question 9

In recent years, the way people look at talent management (careers) has changed. Individuals, not the organization, manage their own development through personal educational experiences, training, projects, or even changes in occupation. Which of the following has prompted individuals to adopt this approach to the "new career"?
A)loss of the traditional work ethic
B)declining job security
C)corporate cutbacks in training and development due to cost pressures
D)corporate growth and international expansion

Accepted Answer

The answer of In recent years, the way people look...

Question 10

Ambrose is discussing his college major with his best friend. Ambrose says his parents want him to be a CGA like them and to join their prosperous tax practice when he graduates. "But," Ambrose says, "I just can't SEE myself as an accountant!" Which statement provides the most accurate description of the source of Ambrose's career misgivings?
A)Ambrose is making a typical protean career error.
B)Ambrose's self-image is not compatible with a career as an accountant.
C)Ambrose needs feedback on reality.
D)Because of Ambrose's family background, his interests will likely change, and he will find accounting a satisfying career.

Accepted Answer

Ambrose's self-image is not compatible with a career as an accountant. He doesn't see himself as one, indicating that he doesn't feel his skills, personality, or interests align with that career path. This reflects an issue of self-concept and career identity, rather than a typical "protean career error" (A), feedback on reality (C), or an assumption that his interests will change (D).

Question 11

Abigail is a 30-year old, highly talented engineer in a competitive industry. She has been with the firm for three years and has been contacted frequently by headhunters seeking to lure her to other organizations. As the HR director for the firm, you want to retain Abigail, but you cannot increase her salary. You are considering several strategies for retaining Abigail. Which of these strategies would likely backfire on you?
A)providing Abigail with intellectually stimulating assignments
B)requiring Abigail to sign a non-competition agreement
C)examining whether Abigail's working hours are excessive
D)allowing Abigail to choose some of her projects to develop a sense of personal accomplishment

Accepted Answer

Requiring Abigail to sign a non-competition agreement may be seen as a lack of trust and a restriction on her future opportunities. This can create resentment and a feeling of being undervalued, ultimately leading to her leaving the organization. The other options, providing intellectually stimulating assignments, examining working hours, and allowing Abigail to choose projects, all show that the organization values her skills and contributions, and can help increase job satisfaction and retention.

Question 12

Carla, 52, has been laid off twice in her life: once when her employer downsized, and once when her next employer was acquired by a larger rival. Now, after five years with her current employer, she has hit a career plateau. Carla is rather frustrated. Each time she has changed employers, she has "retooled," acquiring more skills and expanding her knowledge base. She decides to consult a career counsellor at her employer. How would the career counsellor likely suggest that Carla should view her career?
A)as linear
B)as dysfunctional
C)as stable
D)as cyclical

Accepted Answer

The career counsellor would likely suggest that Carla view her career as cyclical, meaning that it consists of multiple cycles of growth, learning, and change. Carla has already experienced multiple job changes and ups and downs in her career, and the counsellor would likely encourage her to see this as a natural part of the cyclical nature of a career. By adopting a cyclical perspective, Carla may be better equipped to manage future changes and setbacks, and to see them as opportunities for growth and development.

Question 13

The HR department at Cimarron Utilities is planning an internal Career Day. The day will feature workshops on various careers at Cimarron Utilities, opportunities for work in Cimarron's overseas locations, and presentations by HR staff on training and development opportunities available at Cimarron. Which of the following does this event exemplify?
A)individual-centred career development
B)organization-centred career planning
C)succession planning
D)training and development outreach

Accepted Answer

The event exemplifies organization-centred career planning as it is focused on promoting various career opportunities within Cimarron Utilities and the training and development opportunities available to employees within the organization.

Question 14

Multiple employers may pool jobs in order to create career paths for entry-level employees and to help prevent these employees from being stuck in dead-end jobs. Which of the following terms is used to describe this strategy?
A)virtual career
B)collaborative career pathing program
C)skill supply chain
D)sequential employment

Accepted Answer

The answer of Multiple employers may pool jobs in order...

Question 15

Which of the following represents a major trend in the career motivation of individuals?
A)Individuals are choosing careers based on lifetime earning potential.
B)Individuals retain a strong sense of loyalty for their employer.
C)Individuals are committing themselves to achieving success in one occupation.
D)Individuals are using their jobs in order to achieve life goals.

Accepted Answer

The trend in career motivation of individuals is that they are using their jobs in order to achieve life goals. This can include personal growth, work-life balance, and fulfillment beyond just financial gain. Loyalty to employers has decreased, and individuals are no longer committing to one occupation for their entire career, instead valuing the opportunities for growth and development within a variety of industries and roles. Lifetime earning potential may still be a consideration, but it is no longer the primary motivating factor for career choices.

Question 16

Over the past 15 years Bob has held seven different jobs with three different employers, one of which was in the non-profit sector. Of the seven jobs, three were horizontal moves rather than upward moves. Which statement best describes Bob's career?
A)Bob's frequent changes of employers indicate a dysfunctional career.
B)Because of his horizontal moves, Bob has progressed through a career map rather than through a career path.
C)Bob's job experiences can be considered a career path.
D)Bob is on a "tiered employment" path.

Accepted Answer

Bob's varied job experiences over a period of 15 years indicate that he has followed a career path, where he has gained different skills and experiences by exploring diverse jobs under different employers. The fact that he has made horizontal moves instead of strictly upward ones indicates that he has taken a lateral career move, which is still regarded as part of a career path. The question does not provide any evidence to support choices A, B, or D.

Question 17

Many theorists in adult development view the first half of a young adult's life as a quest. Which of the following has been identified as the focus for that quest?
A)competence and a way to make a mark in the world
B)guidance and support from mentors
C)the amassing of personal wealth
D)personal integrity and values

Accepted Answer

Many theorists, such as Erik Erikson and Daniel Levinson, view young adulthood as a time of establishing oneself in the world and finding a sense of competence and purpose. This often involves seeking a career or vocation that provides fulfillment, as well as developing relationships and a sense of identity.

Question 18

Certain tools can help people identify their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as what they do well and what they like. Which of the following terms are used to describe these career-choosing aids?
A)performance appraisals
B)career goal setting plans
C)self-assessment tests
D)envisioning sessions

Accepted Answer

Self-assessment tests are tools designed to help individuals identify their interests, strengths, weaknesses, and what they enjoy doing to make informed decisions about their career paths. Performance appraisals are assessments conducted by employers to evaluate an employee's job performance, and career goal setting plans and envisioning sessions are not typically used to describe career-choosing aids.

Question 19

An individual enters the sales department of an organization as a sales counsellor, then is promoted to account director, to sales manager, and finally, to vice president of sales. Which of the following is this an example of?
A)a series of career transitions
B)job-hopping
C)organization-centred career planning
D)a non-traditional career path

Accepted Answer

This progression within the same organization from an entry-level position to a higher executive role exemplifies organization-centred career planning, where the organization facilitates the individual's career development and progression internally.

Question 20

Which of the following is a major impediment to enabling older employees to work in the firm past normal retirement age?
A)current pension law
B)opposition by the Canadian Association of Retired Persons
C)most people want to quit working after age 65
D)medical issues commonly associated with older people

Accepted Answer

Current pension law may restrict or limit the ability of firms to retain older employees past normal retirement age by requiring mandatory retirement or reducing pension benefits for those who continue to work.

Quiz 8: Talent Management and Development

Which of the following statements best describes phased-in retirement?

Which of the following terms refers to a sequence of work-related positions a person occupies throughout life?

In recent years, a career has come to be viewed as changeable and based on whom you know as well as what you know. Which of the following terms best describes this view?

Individual-centred career planning focuses around which of the following?

You are preparing to offer one of your best managers a position with the overseas branch of your firm. Which of the following concerns is the manager LEAST likely to raise with you?

Which of these phrases best explains what talent management is?

Which of the following is a recent development in the typical career?

Multiple employers may pool jobs in order to create career paths for entry-level employees and to help prevent these employees from being stuck in dead-end jobs. Which of the following terms is used to describe this strategy?

Which of the following represents a major trend in the career motivation of individuals?

Over the past 15 years Bob has held seven different jobs with three different employers, one of which was in the non-profit sector. Of the seven jobs, three were horizontal moves rather than upward moves. Which statement best describes Bob's career?

Many theorists in adult development view the first half of a young adult's life as a quest. Which of the following has been identified as the focus for that quest?

Certain tools can help people identify their interests, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as what they do well and what they like. Which of the following terms are used to describe these career-choosing aids?

An individual enters the sales department of an organization as a sales counsellor, then is promoted to account director, to sales manager, and finally, to vice president of sales. Which of the following is this an example of?

Which of the following is a major impediment to enabling older employees to work in the firm past normal retirement age?