Question 1

Scientific management focused on increasing efficiency and productivity.

Accepted Answer

Scientific management, also known as Taylorism, was a theory of management that aimed to increase efficiency and productivity in the workplace by analyzing and measuring every task performed by workers. Its main goal was to find the most efficient way of doing work and then to train workers to do it that way.

Question 2

Scenario 1.1
A-OK Company, an insurance company of 200 employees, provides life and automobile insurance to clients throughout the southwestern United States. The company's owner, Paul E. See, believes that happy employees are productive employees, so Mr. See provides employees services such as career planning and an on-site fitness center. Due to recent legislation making the insurance business more complex, A-OK is in the process of redesigning its training program for its sales agents. Mr. See also realizes that A-OK needs to examine its selection criteria for new agents joining the company and may need to increase salaries to attract needed talent. Mr. See is worried about this, because he knows that none of his managers has a human resource management degree. In fact, they were operating employees who were moved into the human resource function.
-Refer to Scenario 1.1. Mr. See appears to be influenced by which era of management?

Accepted Answer

Mr. See's focus on employee happiness and providing career planning and on-site fitness center suggests that he is influenced by the human relations era, which emphasized the importance of employee morale and motivation in improving productivity.

Question 3

Scenario 1.1
A-OK Company, an insurance company of 200 employees, provides life and automobile insurance to clients throughout the southwestern United States. The company's owner, Paul E. See, believes that happy employees are productive employees, so Mr. See provides employees services such as career planning and an on-site fitness center. Due to recent legislation making the insurance business more complex, A-OK is in the process of redesigning its training program for its sales agents. Mr. See also realizes that A-OK needs to examine its selection criteria for new agents joining the company and may need to increase salaries to attract needed talent. Mr. See is worried about this, because he knows that none of his managers has a human resource management degree. In fact, they were operating employees who were moved into the human resource function.
-Refer to Scenario 1.1. The career planning and fitness programs provided to A-OK employees help fulfill which fundamental goal of human resource management?

Accepted Answer

The career planning and fitness programs provided to A-OK employees help promote individual growth and development, one of the fundamental goals of human resource management.

Question 4

Both the military and its suppliers became more interested person-job matching during

Accepted Answer

The military and its suppliers became more interested in person-job matching during World War II. With the rapid expansion of the military, it became crucial to find the most qualified individuals for each job, and this led to the development of more sophisticated methods for assessing and selecting personnel. The war also spurred innovations in personnel testing and measurement, which have continued to influence hiring practices in both the public and private sectors.

Question 5

Scenario 1.1
A-OK Company, an insurance company of 200 employees, provides life and automobile insurance to clients throughout the southwestern United States. The company's owner, Paul E. See, believes that happy employees are productive employees, so Mr. See provides employees services such as career planning and an on-site fitness center. Due to recent legislation making the insurance business more complex, A-OK is in the process of redesigning its training program for its sales agents. Mr. See also realizes that A-OK needs to examine its selection criteria for new agents joining the company and may need to increase salaries to attract needed talent. Mr. See is worried about this, because he knows that none of his managers has a human resource management degree. In fact, they were operating employees who were moved into the human resource function.
-Refer to Scenario 1.1. In recognizing that training, selection, and compensation procedures are all interrelated, Mr. See recognizes human resource management as a

Accepted Answer

Mr. See understands that training, selection, and compensation are interconnected components that work together within the broader framework of human resource management, indicating a systems approach.

Question 6

Theory X and Theory Y were principles developed by Elton Mayo.

Accepted Answer

Theory X and Theory Y were actually developed by Douglas McGregor. Elton Mayo is known for his contributions to the Hawthorne studies.

Question 7

The human resource function in organizations today is viewed as a key activity that can enhance the bottom line.

Accepted Answer

Human resource management is considered a strategic function within organizations that can improve business outcomes and contribute to the bottom line by attracting, retaining, and developing talent, managing performance, and aligning employee efforts with organizational objectives.

Question 8

Outsourcing has caused a dramatic increase in the size of HR departments.

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing typically leads to a decrease in the size of HR departments as certain HR functions are transferred to external vendors.

Question 9

The widespread use of ____ has affected how HR systems are delivered.

Accepted Answer

The use of electronic technology, such as HR software and digital communication tools, has significantly impacted how HR systems are delivered. This has allowed for greater efficiency and effectiveness in managing human resources, including recruitment, training, performance management, and employee engagement. As a result, HR professionals must have a strong understanding of technology and be able to leverage it to improve HR processes and outcomes.

Question 10

As the human resource field becomes more professional, more HR managers are acquiring the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) credential. Which organization was instrumental in establishing that credential?

Accepted Answer

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) was instrumental in establishing the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) credential. The SHRM worked with other organizations to create the HRCI and continues to provide educational resources for those seeking certification.

Question 11

Who would typically have responsibility for carrying out human resource activities in a small, independent business?

Accepted Answer

In a small independent business, the owner or general manager is likely to have the responsibility of carrying out human resource activities. This is because the business may not have the resources to employ a dedicated human resource manager or specialist, and therefore the owner or general manager takes on multiple roles, including Human Resource Management.

Question 12

A sporting goods retail company hires another firm to manage all of its payroll functions. This process is known as:

Accepted Answer

Outsourcing refers to hiring an external firm to perform specific business functions like payroll management, which is the case in the given scenario. Option A, HRIS, refers to a computerized system used for managing HR-related data, and is not relevant to payroll outsourcing. Options B and C, Theory X and Theory Y, are management theories that do not relate to the given scenario. Option D, professional accreditation, refers to certification or qualification awarded to individuals after they complete a program of education and training, and is not relevant to the given scenario.

Question 13

Scenario 1.1
A-OK Company, an insurance company of 200 employees, provides life and automobile insurance to clients throughout the southwestern United States. The company's owner, Paul E. See, believes that happy employees are productive employees, so Mr. See provides employees services such as career planning and an on-site fitness center. Due to recent legislation making the insurance business more complex, A-OK is in the process of redesigning its training program for its sales agents. Mr. See also realizes that A-OK needs to examine its selection criteria for new agents joining the company and may need to increase salaries to attract needed talent. Mr. See is worried about this, because he knows that none of his managers has a human resource management degree. In fact, they were operating employees who were moved into the human resource function.
-Refer to Scenario 1.1. Should Mr. See be worried about the ability of his human resource staff to effectively cope with the changes that are needed in that function?

Accepted Answer

Job experience can provide practical knowledge and skills that are valuable in HR work, even if the staff lacks formal HR degrees.

Question 14

Scenario 1.1
A-OK Company, an insurance company of 200 employees, provides life and automobile insurance to clients throughout the southwestern United States. The company's owner, Paul E. See, believes that happy employees are productive employees, so Mr. See provides employees services such as career planning and an on-site fitness center. Due to recent legislation making the insurance business more complex, A-OK is in the process of redesigning its training program for its sales agents. Mr. See also realizes that A-OK needs to examine its selection criteria for new agents joining the company and may need to increase salaries to attract needed talent. Mr. See is worried about this, because he knows that none of his managers has a human resource management degree. In fact, they were operating employees who were moved into the human resource function.
-Refer to Scenario 1.1. Who is likely to be responsible for the human resource management function in an organization of this size?

Accepted Answer

A company of 200 employees would likely have a designated human resource manager to handle the various HR functions such as recruitment, training, and compensation. While Mr. See may have some involvement in HR decisions, it is not practical for him to handle all HR tasks, and an administrative assistant or operational manager is unlikely to have the necessary expertise to manage HR functions properly. The sales manager's focus would be on selling insurance, not HR functions. Therefore, the best choice for this scenario is option A - a full-time human resource manager.

Question 15

Following the requirements of the American Disabilities Act falls under which particular goals of HR?

Accepted Answer

Following the requirements of the American Disabilities Act falls under complying with legal and social obligations. The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, and other areas of daily life. By complying with the ADA, organizations ensure that they are meeting their legal and social obligations to providing equal opportunities and access to individuals with disabilities.

Question 16

The realization that human resource management was an important field was spearheaded by the passing of the Rollins-Robinson Act.

Accepted Answer

The Rollins-Robinson Act was related to vocational education, not human resource management. The development of human resource management as a field was influenced by various factors, including post-World War II economic growth and the rise of labor unions.

Question 17

The modern term used to describe the management of people is

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the management of people in modern times is human resource management. This term reflects a shift from a traditional focus on managing personnel as a resource to a more strategic approach to managing people as assets and aligning human capital with organizational goals.

Question 18

A ____ involves the set of expectations about the exchanges that occur between employees and employers.

Accepted Answer

A psychological contract defines the exchange relationship and expectations between employees and employers. It may include expectations about job security, compensation, work conditions, and opportunities for career advancement. The concept of psychological contract is recognized as an essential element in managing the employment relationship.

Question 19

The HRCI offers several certifications, including all of the following EXCEPT the

Accepted Answer

The HRCI does not offer a certification called "UPHR". The other four options (PHR, SPHR, GPHR) are all certifications offered by the HRCI.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a specific requirement for being a successful human resource manager?

Accepted Answer

While a degree in human resource management can certainly be beneficial, it is not a specific requirement for being a successful human resource manager. Many successful HR managers come from varying educational backgrounds, and practical experience and skills are often valued just as highly, if not more so, than formal education.

Quiz 1: The Nature of Human Resource Management