Deck 10: Coaching, Careers, and Talent Management

Question 1

Dick's Sporting Goods is a sports and fitness retailer with over 300 stores in 34 states.After beginning as a small bait and tackle shop in 1948,Dick's has grown to become a leader in the sports and fitness retail industry.Many career opportunities are available Dick's in areas as diverse as IT,product development,merchandising,and store management.Top management at Dick's realizes the importance of hiring and retaining quality employees.As a result,the firm has decided to implement policies,practices,and programs that support employees' career needs.
All of the following questions are relevant to Dick's Sporting Goods' decision to implement a career development program EXCEPT ________.

A) What is the average length of time that an employee works for Dick's Sporting Goods?
B) How would the profits of Dick's Sporting Goods be affected by a change in hiring practices?
C) How will the promotion process currently used at Dick's Sporting Goods need to be modified?
D) What are the career needs and opportunities available to minorities and women employed by Dick's Sporting Goods?
E) What will be the effect on recruiting and placement if employees' interests and attitudes are taken into consideration by the HR department at Dick's Sporting Goods?

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Employment coaches and mentors can improve their interpersonal communication skills with all of the following techniques EXCEPT ________.

A) listening for total meaning
B) encouraging the speaker to talk
C) finishing the speaker's sentences
D) considering potential distractions
E) being consistent both verbally and nonverbally

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Employers benefit from offering career development programs to employees in all of the following ways EXCEPT ________.

A) supporting recruitment efforts
B) boosting employee commitment
C) improving employee retention rates
D) enhancing employee strengths
E) facilitating performance analysis

Answer 3

E

Question 4

Unlike human resource planning with a traditional focus,human resource planning with a career development focus takes into consideration ________.

A) current job analyses
B) future skills and tasks
C) specific project requirements
D) statistical data about employees
E) employee interests and preferences

Question 5

Dick's Sporting Goods is a sports and fitness retailer with over 300 stores in 34 states.After beginning as a small bait and tackle shop in 1948,Dick's has grown to become a leader in the sports and fitness retail industry.Many career opportunities are available Dick's in areas as diverse as IT,product development,merchandising,and store management.Top management at Dick's realizes the importance of hiring and retaining quality employees.As a result,the firm has decided to implement policies,practices,and programs that support employees' career needs.
Which of the following,if true,would best support the argument that Dick's should assign a coach to each new employee?

A) The turnover rate of newly hired hourly employees at Dick's Sporting Goods is higher than the industry average.
B) Many new employees at Dick's Sporting Goods have expressed interest in the firm's tuition reimbursement program.
C) Dick's Sporting Goods has integrated preretirement counseling and succession planning into its career management practices.
D) Dick's Sporting Goods uses talent management software to place new employees in the most appropriate positions.
E) Dick's Sporting Goods provides two weeks of on-the-job training to all new employees.

Question 6

You have been assigned to coach an employee who is struggling with work assignments.Which of the following steps should you complete first?

A) reach agreement with the employee on a plan
B) ask the employee open-ended questions
C) offer ideas and advice to the employee
D) observe the employee on the job
E) assess your own coaching skills

Question 7

Dick's Sporting Goods is a sports and fitness retailer with over 300 stores in 34 states.After beginning as a small bait and tackle shop in 1948,Dick's has grown to become a leader in the sports and fitness retail industry.Many career opportunities are available Dick's in areas as diverse as IT,product development,merchandising,and store management.Top management at Dick's realizes the importance of hiring and retaining quality employees.As a result,the firm has decided to implement policies,practices,and programs that support employees' career needs.
Which of the following,if true,would best support the argument that Dick's should add a career aspect to its human resource activities?

A) Dick's Sporting Goods' current policies and practices categorize the firm as a high-performance work system.
B) Dick's Sporting Goods' performance appraisals will include development plans and individual goal setting.
C) Dick's Sporting Goods' sales volume and hourly employee needs typically fluctuate throughout the year.
D) Dick's Sporting Goods' competitors in sports and fitness retail base hiring decisions on statistical data.
E) Dick's Sporting Goods' will screen potential candidates using structured situational interviews.

Question 8

Unlike training and development with a traditional focus,training and development with a career development focus provides employees with ________.

A) opportunities for learning job skills
B) monetary training compensation
C) career path information
D) performance appraisals
E) specific job descriptions

Question 9

Which of the following terms refers to the lifelong series of activities that contribute to a person's career exploration,establishment,success,and fulfillment?

A) organizational development
B) performance management
C) career development
D) career management
E) career planning

Question 10

Jackie is working with a coach to identify her personal skills and interests.Afterwards,she will investigate opportunities that fit her skills and interests and set specific career goals.In which of the following activities is Jackie most likely participating?

A) organizational development
B) career management
C) career development
D) career planning
E) job training

Question 11

Which of the following terms refers to educating,instructing,and training subordinates?

A) mentoring
B) coaching
C) appraising
D) grading
E) recruiting

Question 12

________ is a process for enabling employees to better understand and develop their career skills and interests and to use these skills and interests most effectively within the company and afterwards.

A) Organizational development
B) Career management
C) Career development
D) Career planning
E) Performance management

Question 13

In the first stage of coaching,it is recommended that coaches use the ABC approach,which refers to ________.

A) actions, behavior, and consequences
B) appraisals, benefits, and competencies
C) antecedents, behavior, and consequences
D) antecedents, bias, and competencies
E) actions, benefits, and criteria

Question 14

Which of the following best describes career planning?

A) a deliberate process through which someone becomes aware of personal skills, interests, knowledge, and motivations and establishes action plans to attain specific career goals.
B) the lifelong series of activities that contribute to a person's career exploration, establishment, success, and fulfillment
C) a process of helping employees to better understand and develop their career skills and interests and to use these skills and interests most effectively.
D) the process of educating, instructing, and training subordinates as they develop their career interests and job skills.
E) the process of advising, counseling, and guiding subordinates as they maneuver through their long-term career plans.

Question 15

The process of advising,counseling,and guiding employees is known as ________.

A) coaching
B) appraising
C) assessing
D) mentoring
E) training

Question 16

In regards to an employee's career development,it is the responsibility of the ________ to make career plans,set goals,and utilize development opportunities.

A) employer
B) employee
C) recruiter
D) HR manager
E) immediate supervisor

Question 17

Which of the following is a specific example of a career development activity?

A) job evaluation
B) training workshop
C) college recruitment
D) performance appraisal
E) employee coaching

Question 18

Firms that adhere to a traditional rather than a career development focus will most likely NOT provide employees with compensation for their ________.

A) volunteer work
B) productivity
C) performance
D) talent
E) time

Question 19

________ focuses on helping an employee make long-term career plans,while ________ addresses an employee's short-term job skills.

A) Mentoring, coaching
B) Coaching, mentoring
C) Recruiting, coaching
D) Recruiting, mentoring
E) Mentoring, recruiting

Question 20

All of the following are the role of the employer in an employee's career development EXCEPT ________.

A) communicating policies and procedures
B) providing training opportunities
C) analyzing interests, values, and skills
D) providing performance feedback
E) offering a variety of career paths

Question 21

Which of the following is recommended to firms that want to earn employee commitment?

A) document the psychological contract
B) explain the importance of efficiency programs
C) establish a career planning and development process
D) promise lifetime employment
E) offer seniority bonuses

Question 22

Which of the following terms refers to having employees temporarily work in different jobs so that they develop a better appreciation of their occupational strengths and weaknesses?

A) job sharing
B) career cycle
C) role reversal
D) job enrichment
E) job enlargement

Question 23

Chase Bank employs a diverse group of employees,and the firm wants all of its workers to have equal career advancement opportunities.Which of the following most likely undermines Chase Bank's attempt to meet the career development needs of its diverse workforce?

A) scheduling meetings at flexible times such as in the early morning or late evening
B) offering career advancement seminars for women and minorities
C) identifying mentors for women and minorities
D) adopting flexible year-round work schedules
E) creating multiple career advancement paths

Question 24

Employee commitment has suffered in recent years for all of the following reasons EXCEPT ________.

A) globalization
B) downsizing
C) efficiency programs
D) workforce dislocations
E) career development programs

Question 25

Which demographic group has grown significantly in the past few years yet experiences the most difficulty with career progress in organizations?

A) elderly men
B) young men
C) minority men
D) minority women
E) elderly women

Question 26

All of the following are types of career development initiatives implemented by employers EXCEPT ________.

A) 401(k) plans
B) success teams
C) career coaches
D) role reversal exercises
E) online training analysis

Question 27

Which of the following refers to an organized learning event in which participants conduct self-assessments,set goals,and develop action plans?

A) competency-based job analysis
B) career planning workshop
C) job instruction training
D) management retreat
E) team building event

Question 28

Smith Industries has established a career development program for its employees that offers career coaching and workshops.However,a recent employee survey indicates that many women still feel dissatisfied about their career opportunities at the firm.Which of the following would most likely improve the attitudes of female employees at Smith Industries?

A) Smith installs an electronic performance support system for telecommuters.
B) Smith offers early retirement packages to its most senior employees.
C) Smith provides hardship allowances to all minority employees.
D) Smith increases the number of performance appraisals.
E) Smith implements a flexible career track system.

Question 29

Research indicates that all of the following are considered significant barriers to career advancement for minority women EXCEPT the lack of ________.

A) high-visibility assignments
B) educational opportunities
C) influential mentors
D) minority role models
E) networking opportunities

Question 30

Which of the following is primarily the responsibility of an employee in his or her own career development?

A) communicating the firm's policies and procedures
B) providing timely performance feedback
C) providing support with assignments
D) establishing goals and career plans
E) offering a variety of career options

Question 31

All of the following are typical activities of career coaches EXCEPT helping employees to ________.

A) make 1-5 year career plans
B) identify development needs
C) gain professional development
D) obtain networking opportunities
E) negotiate with firms for higher salaries

Question 32

Once a month,Tom meets with a group of employees from various departments at his firm.They gather for breakfast in one of the firm's conference rooms to discuss their individual career goals.Which of the following terms most likely describes Tom's group?

A) labor union
B) career success team
C) corporate fraternity
D) career anchor team
E) management planning group

Question 33

Small groups of employees from the same or different departments who meet periodically to network and support one another in achieving career goals are called ________.

A) managerial leadership groups
B) work sampling teams
C) career management groups
D) career success teams
E) executive coaching groups

Question 34

Which of the following is directly responsible for providing employees with timely performance feedback and developmental assignments for the purpose of career development?

A) firm
B) manager
C) employee
D) recruiter
E) HR specialist

Question 35

Miranda wants to make partner at her law firm.However,she is worried because 70-hour work weeks are the norm for someone striving to make partner.Miranda wants to be fair to her family as well as excel at work.The best way for the law firm to address this problem is by ________.

A) providing Miranda with a career coach
B) encouraging Miranda to join a career success team
C) persuading Miranda to temporarily work in a less competitive law firm
D) offering a flexible career track that allows Miranda to periodically reduce her work load
E) providing a career planning workshop to help Miranda determine a more appropriate occupation

Question 36

Which of the following best explains the meaning of the term "glass ceiling"?

A) the lack of desire among women to pursue jobs with extreme levels of responsibility and authority
B) formal corporate policies that prevent women from receiving the training needed to advance their careers
C) spoken opinions by corporate leaders that women lack the knowledge and skills required for career advancement
D) structural yet subtle barriers in corporate environments that inhibit the rise of talented women to leadership positions
E) inadequate educational opportunities which ultimately limit the network opportunities available to women in the workforce

Question 37

What is the most important tool an employer can use to support employees' career development needs?

A) employee orientation
B) performance appraisal
C) interest inventory
D) human resource metric
E) graphic-rating scale

Question 38

Which of the following is the organization's role in an employee's career development?

A) providing mentoring opportunities to support growth
B) participating in career development discussions
C) providing timely performance feedback
D) establishing goals and career plans
E) seeking out career information

Question 39

Oracle has established a ________ to serve as an employee resource for Web-based career development materials,individual career coaches,and career workshops.

A) career organization
B) vocational training
C) work sampling
D) career center
E) career cycle

Question 40

Which of the following is primarily the role of the manager in an employee's career development?

A) establishing career plans
B) providing career information
C) seeking development opportunities
D) providing academic assistance programs
E) providing accurate performance feedback

Question 41

All of the following are characteristics of effective mentors EXCEPT ________.

A) developing a trustworthy relationship
B) guiding proteges into important projects
C) investing time into the relationship
D) focusing on the protege's daily tasks
E) setting high standards for proteges

Question 42

Which of the following terms refers to reassignments to similar positions in other parts of a firm?

A) transfers
B) layoffs
C) dismissals
D) lockouts
E) promotions

Question 43

Based on research studies,which of the following is a true statement about mentoring programs?

A) Additional mentor training hours leads to less effective mentoring relationships.
B) When the mentor and protege work in different departments, mentoring is more effective.
C) Long-distance mentoring relationships are ineffective due to the inability to form close ties.
D) Proteges have more respect for mentors who work at least two levels above their own rank.
E) Required mentoring relationships are more effective than informal mentoring relationships.

Question 44

Routinely transferring employees to different cities is most likely no longer a common corporate practice because ________.

A) relocation expenses are no longer tax deductible
B) baby boomer employees are nearing retirement
C) most firms allow top executives to telecommute
D) firms realize that such moves disrupt family stability
E) employees between the ages of 25 and 34 are decreasing

Question 45

Which of the following is the simplest and most often used method for predicting the future performance of a candidate for promotion?

A) prior performance
B) aptitude tests
C) assessment centers
D) psychological exams
E) seniority

Question 46

Frank is a manager at a firm that does not have a career development program,but he wants to support the career development needs of his subordinates.All of the following are ways that Frank can support the career needs of his employees EXCEPT ________.

A) offering employees training opportunities
B) providing employee orientation to new hires
C) using high-performance work system methods
D) learning how to provide appropriate mentoring assistance
E) discussing career goals during regular performance appraisals

Question 47

All of the following are characteristic of a formal promotion process EXCEPT ________.

A) Open positions are posted
B) Promotion procedures are published
C) Promotion criteria are made available
D) Job postings are circulated to all employees
E) Promotions are based on unpublished requirements

Question 48

According to the court system,promotions based on subjective assessments ________.

A) support employers in adverse impact claims
B) violate the Americans with Disabilities Act
C) must be supported by objective evidence
D) are valid under the Civil Rights Act of 1991
E) usually lead to employee retaliation claims

Question 49

Competence rather than seniority is most likely the basis for promotion when ________.

A) team cohesiveness is most important
B) corporate competitiveness is necessary
C) union agreements are involved
D) civil service regulations apply
E) compensation packages are limited

Question 50

A(n)________ is a move from one job to another with no change in salary or grade.

A) promotion
B) advancement
C) vertical move
D) transfer
E) leave

Question 51

Reality shock can most likely be prevented by providing new employees with ________.

A) flexible schedules
B) performance appraisals
C) reassignments
D) accurate job previews
E) easy first jobs

Question 52

ABC Consulting has a formal mentoring program in which senior-level managers are paired with less-experienced employees.Which of the following employees most likely needs a mentor?

A) Raj, who is uncertain how to navigate office politics
B) Jason, who does not perform tasks as quickly as required
C) Michele, who is experiencing personal problems at home
D) Justin, who is striving to become a partner within the next two years
E) Haley, who is working and attending graduate school simultaneously

Question 53

How are firms using technology for career development programs?

A) using online testing systems to screen applicants
B) providing mentors and coaches with online training systems
C) monitoring employees' performance with electronic performance support systems
D) using software systems to integrate employees' appraisal and training information
E) developing performance appraisals and job descriptions with specialized software

Question 54

Which of the following terms refers to advancements to positions of increased responsibility?

A) transfers
B) appraisals
C) retirements
D) promotions
E) recruitments

Question 55

Why are an increasing number of firms focusing on retirement planning?

A) changes in ADA requirements
B) concerns about future labor shortages
C) surveys of current employee attitudes
D) modifications to the promotion process
E) increases in health insurance premiums

Question 56

Which of the following best summarizes the Peter Principle?

A) Most executives fear changing the status quo, so they promote based on seniority not competence.
B) A person's level of competence determines how high he or she rises in a firm's hierarchy.
C) The glass ceiling prevents competent women from being promoted to positions of power.
D) People are eventually promoted to positions that are beyond their levels of competence.
E) A person's competency is too difficult to determine, so promotions are based on seniority.

Question 57

A female employee accused a superior of sexual harassment.Later that employee was turned down for a promotion because the superior she had accused persuaded her current supervisor not to promote her.This is most likely an example of ________.

A) demotion
B) retaliation
C) dissonance
D) defensive behavior
E) aggressiveness

Question 58

Michele's firm does not have a formal mentoring program.However,entry-level employees,such as Michele,are encouraged to form relationships with experienced workers.Michele wants to make sure that she has an effective mentor relationship.Which of the following mentor relationship guidelines would NOT be recommended to Michele?

A) Respect the mentor's time by focusing on work issues.
B) Clarify in advance how often you want to meet.
C) Use an agenda to guide discussion topics.
D) Clarify what you expect in terms of advice.
E) Select a direct supervisor as a mentor.

Question 59

Dick's Sporting Goods is a sports and fitness retailer with over 300 stores in 34 states.After beginning as a small bait and tackle shop in 1948,Dick's has grown to become a leader in the sports and fitness retail industry.Many career opportunities are available Dick's in areas as diverse as IT,product development,merchandising,and store management.Top management at Dick's realizes the importance of hiring and retaining quality employees.As a result,the firm has decided to implement policies,practices,and programs that support employees' career needs.
Which of the following,if true,would best support the argument that the firm should institute a flexible career track program?

A) Dick's Sporting Goods frequently asks experienced managers to transfer to new cities in order to open new retail stores.
B) Executive positions at Dick's Sporting Goods are rewarded for a combination of seniority and competence.
C) Situational interviews are used at Dick's Sporting Goods to screen potential store managers.
D) Executive positions at Dick's Sporting Goods are predominantly held by men.
E) Over half of all Dick's Sporting Goods stores are run by female managers.

Question 60

Which of the following is most likely to occur when a new employee's high expectations and enthusiasm confront the reality of a boring job?

A) impasse
B) halo effect
C) reality shock
D) disparate rejection
E) cognitive dissonance

Question 61

During the ________,firm occupational goals are set and an individual conducts more explicit career planning.

A) trial substage
B) growth stage
C) exploration stage
D) stabilization substage
E) midcareer crisis substage

Question 62

All of the following are true statements about retirement EXCEPT ________.

A) employers face future labor shortages because older workers outnumber younger workers
B) most employees who plan to work after 65 must do so for financial reasons
C) most employees expect to continue working after normal retirement age
D) most employees who plan to work after 65 want a part-time position
E) many retirement age workers want to stay active through working

Question 63

Most young workers entering the job market today are heavily focused on their job and their employer,unlike baby boomers who preferred to balance work and family.

Question 64

All of the following methods are used by firms to recruit and retain retirement-age workers EXCEPT ________.

A) implementing phased retirement programs
B) allowing workers to telecommute
C) using psychometric selection tests
D) reducing work responsibilities
E) offering part-time positions

Question 65

When human resource management takes on a career development focus,HR managers take into consideration employees' interests and preferences in addition to their job skills.

Question 66

Studies suggest that firms that support their employees' career development are rewarded with employee commitment and longer retention rates.

Question 67

A career is the occupational positions one holds at a single organization.

Question 68

The primary goal of preretirement educational programs is to ________.

A) improve job satisfaction
B) increase employee commitment
C) help retirees transition into retirement
D) minimize company benefits related costs
E) minimize medical claims from retirees

Question 69

Career development is the lifelong series of activities that contributes to a person's career exploration,establishment,success,and fulfillment.

Question 70

Which of the following terms refers to a concern or value that a person will not give up if a career choice is necessary?

A) golden parachute
B) career anchor
C) career cycle
D) career plan
E) job aid

Question 71

The employee,the manager,and the employer equally share the responsibility for an employee's career development and career success.

Question 72

While career development ultimately should result in an employee who is more employable,such programs often result in increased employee commitment.

Question 73

Which of the following has been the driving force behind the increasing interest in talent management?

A) increasing retiree rates
B) corporate globalization
C) limited employee skills
D) specialized software programs
E) falling employee retention rates

Question 74

When performance appraisal takes on a career development focus,it adds consideration for an individual's career goals in addition to traditional ratings and rewards.

Question 75

Which of the following terms refers to the automated end-to-end process of planning,recruiting,developing,managing,and compensating employees throughout the organization?

A) strategic management
B) performance management
C) human resource management
D) management by objectives
E) talent management

Question 76

Which stage of the career cycle refers to the heart of most people's work lives and usually spans the ages 24 to 44?

A) decline stage
B) growth stage
C) maintenance stage
D) establishment stage
E) exploration stage

Question 77

Which of the following is the most common topic addressed in preretirement counseling?

A) leisure time options
B) investment planning
C) psychological concerns
D) second career options
E) Social Security benefits

Question 78

The final step in the coaching process requires the coach and the employee to agree on the problem and a change plan.

Question 79

According to career-counseling expert John Holland,which of the following orientations characterizes individuals who are successful managers,lawyers,and public relations executives?

A) investigative orientation
B) realistic orientation
C) enterprising orientation
D) social orientation
E) conventional orientation

Question 80

Interpersonal communication skills are an essential element for effective coaching.