Deck 1: Introduction to Human Resource Management

Question 1

Personnel activities associated with human resource management most likely include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) orienting and training new employees
B) appraising employee performance
C) building employee commitment
D) developing customer relationships

Answer 1

D
Explanation: D)Human resource management involves numerous personnel-related activities,and HR managers are less likely to interact with customers.Managing compensation,orienting new employees,appraising employee performance,and developing employee commitment are typical aspects of the HR manager's job.

Question 2

Larry,a manager at a commercial real estate firm,has established a monthly sales quota for his sales team.Which basic function of management best describes Larry's actions?

A) planning
B) organizing
C) controlling
D) staffing

Answer 2

C
Explanation: C)The controlling function involves setting standards such as sales quotas,quality standards or production levels; checking to see how actual performance compares with these standards; taking corrective action,as needed.

Question 3

When managers use metrics to assess performance and then develop strategies for corrective action,they are performing the ________ function of the management process.

A) planning
B) leading
C) controlling
D) organizing

Answer 3

C
Explanation: C)The controlling function of the management process requires managers to set standards such as sales quotas,quality,standards,or production levels.Managers then compare actual performance with the standards,which often involves the use of metrics.Corrective action is then taken when necessary.

Question 4

Which of the following includes five basic functions-planning,organizing,staffing,leading,and controlling?

A) job analysis
B) strategic management
C) management process
D) adaptability screening

Question 5

In most organizations,human resource managers are categorized as ________,who assist and advise ________ in areas like recruiting,hiring,and compensation.

A) staff managers; line managers
B) line managers; middle managers
C) line managers; staff managers
D) functional managers; staff managers

Question 6

Gerard is authorized to direct the work of subordinates and is responsible for accomplishing the organization's tasks.Gerard is most likely a ________.

A) training specialist
B) staff manager
C) line manager
D) recruiter

Question 7

Since Human Resources is important to all managers,which is NOT a personnel mistake a manager wants to make while managing?

A) Waste time with useless interviews
B) Hire the wrong person
C) Have your people not doing their best
D) Experience low turnover

Question 8

A line manager's human resource responsibilities most likely include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) maintaining department morale
B) controlling labor costs
C) protecting employees' health
D) marketing new products and services

Question 9

Celeste spends most of her time at work establishing goals for her staff of fifty employees and developing procedures for various tasks.In which function of the management process does Celeste spend most of her time?

A) leading
B) controlling
C) organizing
D) planning

Question 10

Which of the following best defines line authority?

A) management over a small staff in a public firm
B) management with flexible decision-making powers
C) a manager's right to advise other managers or employees
D) a manager's right to issue orders to other managers or employees

Question 11

________ is the process of acquiring,training,appraising,and compensating employees,and attending to their labor relations,health and safety,and fairness concerns.

A) Labor relations
B) Human resource management
C) Behavioral management
D) Organizational health and safety management

Question 12

Jolene,a manager,delegates the authority for a project to Lee,her subordinate.Jolene is most likely involved in which function of the management process?

A) staffing
B) organizing
C) motivating
D) leading

Question 13

Which of the following is the person responsible for accomplishing an organization's goals by planning,organizing,staffing,leading,and controlling personnel?

A) manager
B) entrepreneur
C) generalist
D) marketer

Question 14

The basic functions of the management process include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) planning
B) organizing
C) outsourcing
D) leading

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT considered one of the line supervisor's responsibilities for effective human resources management under the general headings outlined by a major company?

A) Protecting employees' health and physical condition
B) Changing employees' attitudes regarding work
C) Developing the abilities of each person
D) Interpreting the company policies and procedures

Question 16

In the management process,which of the following is an activity associated with the leading function?

A) motivating subordinates
B) setting performance standards
C) training new employees
D) developing procedures

Question 17

Which function of the management process includes selecting employees,setting performance standards,and compensating employees?

A) organizing
B) planning
C) motivating
D) staffing

Question 18

According to experts,the primary hindrance to a firm's productivity is its inability to ________.

A) establish effective manufacturing facilities
B) acquire and maintain human capital
C) use advanced accounting controls
D) attain adequate cash and credit

Question 19

Which function of the management process requires a manager to establish goals and standards and to develop rules and procedures?

A) planning
B) organizing
C) staffing
D) leading

Question 20

________ is the right to make decisions,to direct the work of others,and to give orders.

A) Leadership
B) Authority
C) Management
D) Responsibility

Question 21

In most firms,line managers work in conjunction with HR managers when ________.

A) visiting college campuses to recruit
B) interviewing job applicants
C) administering preemployment tests
D) testing employees for drugs

Question 22

All of the following are ways in which an HR manager most likely assists and advises line managers EXCEPT ________.

A) administering health and accident insurance programs
B) representing employees' interests to upper management
C) making strategic business planning decisions
D) hiring, training, and evaluating employees

Question 23

________ functions involve assisting and advising line managers,and they are the central aspect of a human resource manager's job.

A) Staff
B) Advocacy
C) Line
D) Coordinative

Question 24

An HR generalist at Wilson Manufacturing has been assigned to the sales department to provide HR management assistance as needed.Which of the following best describes the structure of the HR services provided at Wilson Manufacturing?

A) transactional HR teams
B) embedded HR teams
C) centers of expertise
D) corporate HR teams

Question 25

________ refers to the tendency of firms to extend their sales,ownership,and/or manufacturing to new markets abroad.

A) Expansion
B) Globalization
C) Export growth
D) Diversification

Question 26

Roberta Whitman has recently been hired by Jackson Pharmaceuticals as the senior vice president of human resources.Jackson Pharmaceuticals has a history of problems within its HR department including difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified employees,EEO violations,inadequate employee training programs,and confusion regarding health benefit enrollment and coverage.With years of experience transforming HR departments in other firms,Whitman believes she can correct the problems at Jackson Pharmaceuticals. Which of the following best supports the argument that Whitman should create embedded HR units and assign relationship managers to each department within the firm?

A) Employees frequently complain about the inconsistent assistance they receive from the HR department due to its large size.
B) The global nature of the firm makes it difficult for the HR department to effectively communicate corporate messages to employees scattered around the world.
C) Centralized call centers would enable the HR department to provide specialized support on daily transactional activities.
D) Line managers want to implement additional screening and evaluations to improve the quality of their subordinates.

Question 27

All of the following are the most common reasons that firms decide to globalize EXCEPT ________.

A) lower costs
B) supervising quality control methods
C) make employees more productive
D) to do things better

Question 28

In general,how many human resource employees would be on staff for a firm with 500 total employees?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 5
D) 10

Question 29

Which of the following is most likely a line function of the human resource manager?

A) ensuring that line managers are implementing HR policies
B) advising line managers about how to implement EEO laws
C) representing the interests of employees to senior management
D) directing the activities of subordinates in the HR department

Question 30

One of the ________ functions of a human resource manager includes directing the activities of his or her subordinates in the HR department.

A) coordinative
B) corporate
C) staff
D) line

Question 31

All of the following are examples of human resource specialties EXCEPT ________.

A) job analyst
B) financial advisor
C) compensation manager
D) labor relations specialist

Question 32

Which of the following focuses on using centralized call centers and outside vendors as a way to provide specialized support in day-to-day HR activities?

A) embedded HR units
B) corporate HR groups
C) HR centers of expertise
D) transactional HR groups

Question 33

How have globalization and increased competition most likely affected human resource management?

A) Corporate intranets are used by HR managers to communicate important messages.
B) HR managers need to focus on integrating ethics into a firm's policies and practices.
C) Benefits administration is increasingly being handled internally as a way to lower costs.
D) HR managers need to focus on big picture issues to help firms achieve their strategic goals.

Question 34

Which of the following responsibilities is shared by line managers and human resource managers in most firms?

A) preemployment testing
B) benefits administration
C) initial screening interviews
D) performance appraisals

Question 35

Human resource managers generally exert ________ within the human resources department and ________ outside the human resources department.

A) line authority; staff authority
B) staff authority; line authority
C) functional authority; line authority
D) staff authority; implied authority

Question 36

Which of the following refers to the authority exerted by an HR manager as coordinator of personnel activities?

A) staff authority
B) line authority
C) functional authority
D) corporate authority

Question 37

Which of the following is an example of a coordinative function performed by HR managers?

A) ensuring that line managers are adhering to a firm's sexual harassment policies
B) voicing employee concerns about health benefits and wages to upper management
C) providing upper management with relevant data on national employment trends
D) assisting line managers with hiring, evaluating, and firing employees

Question 38

Which of the following human resource management specialties calls for collecting data to write job descriptions?

A) job analyst
B) job training specialist
C) compensation manager
D) EEO coordinator

Question 39

Roberta Whitman has recently been hired by Jackson Pharmaceuticals as the senior vice president of human resources.Jackson Pharmaceuticals has a history of problems within its HR department including difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified employees,EEO violations,inadequate employee training programs,and confusion regarding health benefit enrollment and coverage.With years of experience transforming HR departments in other firms,Whitman believes she can correct the problems at Jackson Pharmaceuticals. Which of the following best supports Whitman's idea to develop a transactional HR group to handle benefits administration?

A) An embedded HR unit would assist top management with big picture issues as well as benefits administration.
B) Extensive training has been provided to line managers so that they fully understand the different insurance options available to employees.
C) Outside vendors specializing in all aspects of benefits administration would provide improved support to the firm's employees.
D) Lower insurance premiums would eliminate the need for outsourcing services and improve employee health coverage.

Question 40

All of the following are functions of the human resource manager EXCEPT ________.

A) ensuring that line managers are implementing HR policies
B) advising line managers about how to implement EEO laws
C) representing the interests of employees to senior management
D) integrating the duties of line managers with staff managers

Question 41

Evidence-based human resource management relies on all of the following types of evidence EXCEPT ________.

A) scientific rigor
B) existing data
C) research studies
D) qualitative opinions

Question 42

Which term refers to using external vendors to perform HR jobs that were once handled by a firm internally?

A) freelancing
B) outsourcing
C) rightsizing
D) warehousing

Question 43

Which of the following best explains why top HR executives are being paid increasingly high salaries?

A) A firm's vision is only effective when HR managers play a strategic role in its development.
B) Effective HR managers increase corporate profitability and organizational performance.
C) Transactional activities are more cost-effective when outsourced by HR.
D) Business strategies developed by HR managers are quantifiable.

Question 44

What term refers to the knowledge,skills,and abilities of a firm's workers?

A) human resources
B) human capital
C) intangible assets
D) contingent personnel

Question 45

Which of the following would provide the best solution for a global firm's HR department that needs to immediately provide employees with corporate information?

A) streaming desktop video
B) electronic outsourcing
C) productivity software
D) network monitoring

Question 46

Which of the following describes the most significant demographic trend facing the U.S.work force?

A) increased number of aging workers
B) decreased number of contingent workers
C) increased number of blue-collar workers
D) decreased number of bilingual workers

Question 47

Globalization,competition,and technology have led to which of the following trends in human resource management?

A) HR managers primarily focus on providing transactional services like recruiting and hiring.
B) Metrics used to measure employee potential have been replaced by standardized testing.
C) HR managers assist top management with developing and implementing new strategies.
D) Employee contracts are frequently used by HR managers to protect the interests of the firm.

Question 48

Which of the following best describes a nontraditional worker?

A) workers near retirement age
B) ethnically diverse workers
C) workers with multiple jobs
D) service-based workers

Question 49

When focusing on improving performance,which is NOT a top challenge the HR manager faces?

A) competition for market share
B) skill development
C) government regulations
D) need to increase productivity

Question 50

Strategic human resource management refers to ________.

A) formulating and executing human resource policies and practices that produce the employee competencies and behaviors the company needs to achieve strategic aims
B) planning the balance of internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats to maintain competitive advantage
C) emphasizing the knowledge, education, training, skills, and expertise of a firm's workers
D) extending a firm's sales, ownership, and manufacturing to new markets

Question 51

Tara Robles earned an MBA degree and is now an HR manager for a Fortune 500 company.In which of the following tasks does Tara's advanced degree benefit her the most?

A) using application service providers to expedite employee services
B) assisting upper management in formulating business strategies
C) distributing pension payments to retiring employees
D) recruiting college graduates for entry-level positions

Question 52

An HR manager who wants to analyze the costs associated with each new hire will most likely use which of the following?

A) podcasts
B) Web portal
C) data warehouse
D) public domain software

Question 53

All of the following are ways in which employers use technology to support their human resource management activities EXCEPT ________.

A) paying employees and suppliers electronically
B) offshoring and outsourcing benefits administration services
C) offering online employee training through streaming desktop videos
D) developing data warehouses to compare employees' skills with the firm's needs

Question 54

________ refers to ensuring that the human resources management function is delivering its services efficiently.

A) Strategic planning
B) Strategic human resource management
C) HR department lever
D) Human resource scorecard approach

Question 55

________ has affected how people work,and therefore on the skills and training today's workers need.

A) Technology
B) Factory jobs
C) Global environmental concerns and legislation
D) Manufacturing

Question 56

According to employer surveys,one of the primary challenges of Generation Y employees is their ________.

A) inability to use information technology
B) inadequate multi-tasking skills
C) inability to balance work and family
D) need for constant praise and recognition

Question 57

Over the next few years,employers may face a severe labor shortage because ________.

A) there are fewer people entering the workforce than there are retiring baby boomers
B) one-third of single mothers are not employed in the U.S. labor force
C) there are too many nontraditional workers holding multiple jobs
D) older employees are more family-centric than younger employees

Question 58

Which was NOT a change in the economic and political philosophies that drove the globalization boom causing U.S.imports and exports to rise from $47 billion in 1960,to $562 billion in 1980,to about $4.7 trillion recently?

A) government dropped cross-border taxes or tariffs
B) economic free trades areas were formed
C) steps were taken to encourage free flow of trade among countries
D) instability in the world labor market

Question 59

Unlike HR managers of the past,modern HR managers must be able to ________.

A) assist with employee training in various departments within a firm
B) explain HR activities in terms of a firm's performance and profitability
C) determine the most appropriate compensation for employees
D) hire workers who are well-matched to a firm's HR needs

Question 60

Which term refers to the HR manager putting into place the policies and practices that produce the employee competencies and skills the company needs to achieve its strategic goals?

A) HR department lever
B) strategic results lever
C) practices
D) employee cost lever

Question 61

The vice president of marketing tells a marketing manager to prepare a presentation by the end of the week.The vice president is most likely exercising which of the following?

A) staff authority
B) procedural authority
C) line authority
D) functional authority

Question 62

Human resource managers are generally staff managers.

Question 63

Which organization provides professional certification for human resource managers?

A) Association of Certified HR Managers
B) Society for Human Resource Management
C) Academy of Human Resource Executives
D) Association of Business Administration

Question 64

In small organizations,line managers frequently handle all personnel duties without the assistance of a human resource staff.

Question 65

All of the following are ethical issues that must be considered by human resource managers EXCEPT ________.

A) comparable work
B) workplace safety
C) affirmative action
D) FCC regulations

Question 66

Staff managers have staff authority which enables them to issue orders down the chain of command unlike line managers.

Question 67

Staff managers are authorized to issue orders to subordinates and are directly in charge of accomplishing the organization's basic goals.

Question 68

Which of the following would most likely provide assistance to executives about long-term strategic plans?

A) centers of expertise
B) embedded HR teams
C) corporate HR teams
D) professional employee organizations

Question 69

Administering health benefits programs,helping line managers comply with EEO laws,and assisting with labor relations are all elements of the ________ function.

A) coordinative
B) procedural
C) staff
D) line

Question 70

Autonomy is the right to make decisions,direct the work of others,and give orders.

Question 71

Which of the following refers to the standards someone uses to decide what his or her conduct should be?

A) ethics
B) strategies
C) preferences
D) competencies

Question 72

Human resource managers assist line managers with hiring,training,evaluating,rewarding,counseling,promoting,and firing employees.

Question 73

Which HR specialty involves preparing job descriptions?

A) compensation manager
B) EEO coordinator
C) job analyst
D) recruiter

Question 74

Communicating is one of the five basic functions of the management process.

Question 75

Hiring the wrong person for the job,committing unfair labor practices,and having your people not doing their best are personnel mistakes that hinder firms from achieving positive results.

Question 76

The planning function of management includes establishing goals and standards and developing forecasts.

Question 77

Setting standards such as sales quotas,quality standards,or production levels is part of the leading function of human resource management.

Question 78

Shelly,an HR manager,recently had a meeting with the production manager to determine if the firm's vacation policy was being strictly followed in the production department.Shelly was most likely performing a ________ function.

A) coordinative
B) procedural
C) staff
D) line

Question 79

________ refers to companies extending their sales,ownership,and/or manufacturing to new markets abroad.

A) Free trade areas
B) Globalization
C) Off-shoring
D) Regulations

Question 80

HR managers who take SHRM certification exams are tested on all of the following areas EXCEPT ________.

A) strategic business management
B) workforce planning
C) information technology
D) occupational health and safety