BusinessNow Video Case - Al Akhawayn University in …O.Elhalimi/fom5_tif06.doc · Web viewGraphic rating scales, behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS), the critical-incident

Chapter 6 – Staffing and Human Resource Management

Chapter Six: Staffing and Human Resource Management

True/False

1. Human Resource Management activities and functions such as staffing, attracting and developing an effective workforce are the sole responsibility of the HR department.

(False; Moderate; p. 192)

2. Human Resources management must be accomplished with the dynamic framework of changing government legislation and regulations that address hiring practices, workplace safety, labor relations and working conditions

(True; Moderate; pp.192-193)

3. Federal law requires that employers pay their share of unemployment insurance and workers compensation for employees on their payroll even if they work less than 40 hours per week.

(True; Moderate; p. 211)

4. As a result of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, employers are required to seek out and hire minorities to compensate for past discrimination

(False; Challenging; p. 194; Ex. 6-2)

5. Strategic Human Resources Planning is the process used to ensure that HR is aligned with and supports the accomplishment of the firm’s mission, strategies and objectives.

(True; Easy; p. 192)

6. Recruitment is a set of activities directed toward attracting a qualified pool of job applicants for evaluation by an organization.

(True; Easy; p.197)

7. The selection process involves interviewing and choosing the most qualified candidates from a pool of job applicants.


8. The process by which managers decide on the relative qualifications of job applicants for a particular job opening is known as the recruitment process.


9. A selection device is valid if it yields the same results over time if taken by the same person.

(False; Easy; pp. 199-200)

10. Realistic job previews are used to "sell" the firm to job candidates by focusing on the benefits and positive aspects of the job to potential candidates.


11. The realistic job preview can cost the time and effort of selection because it gives candidates a chance to decide if the job is right for them regardless of their skills or qualifications.


152

Part III - Organizing

12. Most training focuses on teaching people the skills that they will need to be effective in their future jobs.


13. Training is a set of activities that provide learning opportunities that build and improve skills to do the job for which they were hired.


14. Training activities tend to take place at the higher levels of the organization, while development activities usually take place at the lower levels of management of the organization.


15. Graphic rating scales, behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS), the critical-incident technique, multi-rater comparisons, and 360º feedback are methods of appraising performance.


16. In performance appraisal both objective and judgmental methods are equally effective. (False; Easy; p. 207)

17. Performance ranking allows the supervisors to compare their employees to a fixed standard rather than to other employees.


18. A fundamental rule of thumb in establishing base compensation is to pay new employees substantially more than what competitors in the labor market are paying.

(False; Challenging; p. 211)

19. Employers are required to provide workers' compensation benefits to their employees, but not unemployment insurance.


20. Workforce diversity improves problem solving and brings a range of talents, perspectives, experiences, and worldviews that broaden an organization's repertoire of skills and capabilities.


21. Sexual harassment occurs when people of either sex experience inappropriate behavior, conduct or language of a sexual nature that affects their employment situation.

(True; Easy; pp. 212-213)

22. Labor unions negotiate contracts specifying the rights and obligations of employees and management with respect to wages, work hours, grievances, and other aspects or conditions of employment.


23. The employment process is dramatically influenced by the external environment.(True; Moderate; p. 192)

153


24. Since the mid-1960s, the federal government has continually reduced its influence over human resource management decisions.


25. Employment decisions must be made without regard to age, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.


26. The Equal Pay Act prohibits pay differences for equal work based on race.(False; Moderate; p. 194; Ex. 62)

27. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires employers to make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals who have physical or mental disabilities.

(True; Easy; p. 194; Ex. 62)

28. In affirmative action, organizations actively seek to enhance the status of individuals who are members of protected groups.

(True; Challenging; p. 194)

29. Management is not completely free to choose whom they hire, promote, or fire.(True; Easy; p. 194)

30. Whereas the job analysis tells management what individual employees can do, the human resource inventory is a lengthy process in which workflows are analyzed and behaviors necessary to perform jobs are identified.


31. The job description states the minimum acceptable qualifications that an incumbent must possess to perform a given job successfully.


32. Demand for human resources is a result of demand for the products or services provided by the organization.


33. Reducing the labor supply within the organization includes downsizing and layoff activities.


34. One of the major benefits of using internal searches for job candidates is that it builds employee morale.

(True; Easy; p. 198; Ex. 63)

35. A drawback of employee referrals is that they may not increase the diversity and mix of employees.

(True; Moderate; p. 198; Ex. 63)

36. Attrition is one of the downsizing options available to organizations and may be preferable to firing or layoffs.

(True; Moderate; p. 198; Ex. 64)37. The major point of any selection activity is to reduce the probability of making a reject

154


error or an accept error.(True; Challenging; p. 199)

38. A selection device is reliable if there is a proven relationship between the selection device and some relevant measure.


39. The burden lies with management to verify that any selection device it uses to differentiate applicants is related to job performance.


40. Stress interviewers deliberately lead applicants into a false sense of security—the comfortable interaction—then suddenly and drastically, they change and go on the attack.


41. Applicants who have been given a realistic job preview tend to hold lower job expectations than those who have not.


42. One major objective of orientation is to give an employee a realistic job preview.(False; Moderate; p. 204)

43. Most job training takes place in the classroom.(False; Moderate; p. 205)

44. Vestibule training is an example of on-the-job training.(False; Easy; p. 206; Ex. 67)

45. The reactions of participants are the most valid way to assess the effectiveness of training.


46. A performance management system is a process of establishing performance standards and evaluating performance in order to arrive at objective human resource decisions and to provide documentation to support any personnel actions.


47. Performance evaluation by use of critical incidents focuses the evaluator on key behaviors that separate effective from ineffective job performance.


48. BARS (Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale) combines major elements from the critical incident and graphic rating scale approaches to evaluating performance.


49. The paired comparison approach to performance evaluation requires the evaluator to place employees into a particular classification, such as "top one-fourth."


50. Fairness in compensation systems means that the established pay levels are

155


adequate and consistent for the demands and requirements of the job.(True; Easy; p. 211)

51. Life, health, and disability insurance are all examples of employee benefits—nonfinancial rewards designed to enrich employees' lives.


52. Workforce diversity is affecting the way employees are recruited, selected, and oriented.


53. Sexual harassment is regarded as specific unwanted activity of a sexual nature as defined by each organization.


54. Much of the problem associated with sexual harassment is determining what constitutes this illegal behavior.


55. If an employee who is guilty of sexual harassment is a manager or agent for an organization, the organization is liable for sexual harassment.


56. Sexual harassment policies should be reinforced by regular discussions with all employees.


57. The key theme that labor laws appear to be conveying is where employee involvement programs are introduced, members must have the power to make decisions and act independently of management.


58. The layoff-survivor sickness syndrome has leveled off in the US and is not as significant as it was just a few years ago.

(False; Easy; pp. 216-217)

Multiple Choice Questions

59. In the United States, human resource management practices are affected by various laws that do all of the following excepta. Prohibit pay differences for men and women doing equal work. b. Establish mandatory safety and health standards in workplaces. c. Prohibit discrimination against a qualified individual on the basis of disability.

d. Encourage and promote mandatory retirement. (d; Moderate; p. 194; Ex 6-2)

60. __________ is the orderly study of jobs to determine what is done, when, where, how, why, and by whom in existing jobs or potential new jobs.

156


a. Job analysisb. Job description c. Job specification d. Job audit

(a; Easy; p.196)

61. __________ is a written statement the duties and responsibilities of a job. a. Job analysisb. Job specification c. Job descriptiond. Job inventory chart

(c; Easy; p.196) 62. __________ is the process used by organizations to attract a qualified pool of job

applicants. a. Socializationb. Recruitmentc. Human resource planningd. Affirmation action

(b; Moderate; p.197)

63. Using realistic job previews reflects the important recruitment issues of a. who to interview and when to interview. b. reliability and validity. c. choosing selection devices and measurement methods. d. honesty and full information.

(d, Moderate; p.203)

64. _____________ is a recruitment approach that tries to provide the job candidates with all pertinent information about the job and the organization without distortion or selling the job to the candidate.a. Open job previewb. Traditional job preview c. Realistic job previewd. Holistic job preview

(c, Moderate; p.203)

65. A major benefit of using realistic job previews is to a. reduce turnover. b. reduce salaries and wages. c. decrease training costs. d. reduce time it takes to get qualified applicants.

(a; Easy; p.203)

157


66. Which of the following is a legitimate reason for rejecting a job applicant in the selection process? a. Applicant has deficient qualifications. b. Applicant has insufficient ability, ambition, or poor interpersonal qualities. c. Applicant's overall potential is low. d. All of the above.

(d; Easy; pp.196 and 202)

67. For a selection device to be valid it must a. yield approximately the same results over time if taken by the same person. b. be passed by at least 75 percent of all applicants. c. yield a demonstrated relationship between a person's score or rating and their eventual job performance. d. be sanctioned by the EEOC.

(c; Moderate; p.200)

68. A reliable selection devicea. measures exactly what it intends to, relative to the job specification. b. can be passed by most of the job applicants. c. is administered by a qualified personnel specialist. d. yields the same results over time if taken by the same person.

(d; Easy; p.199)

69. To be used for employment, a selection device should a. be valid but not necessarily reliable. b. be reliable but not necessarily valid. c. be both reliable and valid. d. be used only by highly trained professionals.

(c; Moderate; pp.199-200)

70. An employment test that is used to evaluate a person's job potential by observing his or her performance in exercises that simulate daily work activities is called ______. a. modeling b. mentoring c. orientation d. an assessment center

(d, Moderate; p.201)

71. __________ is a set of planned activities designed offered by the organization to familiarize new employees with their jobs, their co-workers, and key aspects of the organization. a. Socializationb. Orientationc. Modelingd. Mentoring

(b; Easy; p.204)

158


72. ________ is a training process that offers opportunities for employees to spend time in different jobs and expand their range of skills. a. Coachingb. An apprenticeship c. Job rotationd. Modeling

(c; Moderate; p.206)

73. __________ is the process of formally assessing someone's work job accomplishments and providing feedback. a. Discipline managementb. Management by objectives c. An informal reviewd. Performance appraisal

(d; Moderate; p. 207)

74. A performance appraisal method that provides rating scales for actual behaviors that exemplify various performance levels is known as __________. a. 360º feedbackb. the critical-incident techniquec. multiperson comparisonsd. behaviorally anchored rating scales


75. ________ is an appraisal method that involves superiors, subordinates, peers, and even internal and external customers in the evaluation process. a. Critical-incident techniqueb. Multiperson comparisons methodc. Graphic rating scales methodd. 360º feedback method.

(d, Moderate; p. 207)

76. A customer service sales manager for a Dell Computers evaluates each one of his staff monthly on the basis of the number of customer problems or complaints that have been resolved during the past month. This is an example ofa. a subjective appraisal. b. situational testing. c. personality testing. d. a perfomance appraisal.

(d; Easy; pp. 206-207)

77. In the U.S., which of the following laws requires male and female employees to be paid equally if they perform the same type of jobs and/or do the same work?a. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act b. Age Discrimination in Employment Act c. Americans with Disabilities Act d. Equal Pay Act

(d; Moderate; p. 194; Ex. 6-2)

159


78. Dick Brenner has recently hired several competent people to fill the vacancies in his organization. He should help them adapt to the organization and ensure that their job skills and knowledge are kept current through _____.a. employee appreciationb. employee surveysc. orientation and trainingd. orientation, training, and development


79. Employment decisions on a federal level must be made without regard to all of the following excepta. race.b. sexual orientation.c. national origin.d. disability.

(b; Moderate; p. 193)

80. Which of the following prohibits differences in pay for equal work based on the sex of the employee?a. Civil Rights Actb. Age Discrimination Actc. Family and Medical Leave Actd. Equal Pay Act

(d; Easy; p. 194; Ex. 62)

81. Which of the following prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex?a. Civil Rights Actb. Age Discrimination Actc. Family and Medical Leave Actd. Equal Pay Act

(a; Moderate; p. 194; Ex. 62)

82. Which of the following permits employees in organizations with 50 or more workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for family or medical reasons?a. Civil Rights Actb. Age Discrimination Actc. Family and Medical Leave Actd. Equal Pay Act

(c; Moderate; p. 194; Ex. 62)

83. Which of the following requires employers to provide 60 days notice before a facility closing or mass layoff?a. Civil Rights Actb. Worker Readjustment and Retrainingc. Family and Medical Leave Actd. Equal Pay Act

(b; Moderate; p. 194; Ex. 62)

84. Programs to ensure that decisions and practices enhance the employment, upgrading,

160


and retention of members of protected groups are known asa. management rights.b. collective bargaining agreement.c. affirmative action programs.d. discrimination practices.

(c; Moderate; p. 194)

85. In which of the following countries are employees more likely to be unionized than in the US?a. Canadab. Australiac. Mexicod. China

(c; Easy; p. 195)

86. Germany’s human resource management practices are similar to most Western European countries in that legislation requires companies to practice _____.a. collective bargainingb. unionizationc. open shopd. representative participation


87. A _____ is an assessment of the kinds of skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to successfully perform each job in an organization.a. job descriptionb. human resource inventory reportc. job analysisd. job specification


88. A written statement of what a jobholder does, how a job is done, and why a job is done is aa. job description.b. human resource inventory report.c. job analysis.d. job specification.

(a; Moderate; p. 196)

89. Which of the following focuses on job content, environment, and conditions of employment?a. job descriptionb. human resource inventory reportc. job analysisd. job specification


90. _____ is the process of locating, identifying, and attracting capable applicants.

161


a. Downsizingb. Human resource inventory reportc. Recruitmentd. Strategic human resource planning

(c; Easy; p. 197)

91. The process of reducing the labor supply within an organization isa. downsizing.b. human resource inventory report.c. recruitment.d. strategic human resource planning.

(a; Easy; p. 197)

92. The source that is used to find suitable candidates should be based upon all except which of the following?a. local labor marketb. type or level of the positionc. size of the organizationd. location of the organization

(d; Challenging; p. 197)

93. Which of the traditional recruiting sources is least likely to increase the diversity and mix of employees?a. advertisementsb. public employment agenciesc. employee referralsd. private employment agencies

(c; Challenging; p. 198; Ex. 63)

94. Which of the following essentially attempts to determine which applicant, if hired, will be successful?a. selection processb. human resource inventory reportc. recruitmentd. strategic human resource planning

(a; Easy; p. 198)

95. _____ refers to permanent involuntary termination of employment.a. Reduced workweekb. Transferc. Layoffd. Firing

(d; Easy; p. 199; Ex. 64)

96. Today, selection techniques that result in reject errors can open the organization to

162


_____.a. increased human resource management costsb. charges of employee discriminationc. reduced moraled. a weakened workforce

(b; Challenging; p. 199)

97. To be effective, selection devices need to measure the same variable consistently. This is known as which of the following?a. reject errorsb. reliabilityc. validityd. recruitment


98. Terri has taken the same typing test four times on four different days. She has scored approximately the same score each time. This test has _______.a. high reliabilityb. low reliabilityc. high validityd. low validity


99. Jayne was required to take a dictation test and to receive a score of 75 words per minute on the test. The job she is applying for no longer requires the use of dictation. This test has ________.a. high reliabilityb. low reliabilityc. high validityd. low validity


100. Tests of intellectual ability, spatial and mechanical ability, perceptual accuracy, and motor abilities are moderately valid predictors of which jobs?a. semiskilledb. unskilled operative jobs in industrial organizationsc. supervisory positionsd. semiskilled and unskilled operative jobs in industrial organizations


101. Selection devices that are based upon actual job behaviors are known asa. performance-simulation tests.b. background investigations.c. physical examinations.d. application forms.

(a; Easy; p. 201)

102. The best-known performance-simulation tests are

163


a. realistic job previews.b. assessment centers.c. written tests.d. work sampling and assessment centers.


103. _____, along with the application form, are an almost universal selection device.a. Written testsb. Interviewsc. Performance-simulation testsd. Realistic job previews

(b; Easy; p. 202)

104. Which of the following can be valid and reliable selection devices when they are structured, well organized, and held to common questioning?a. performance-simulation testsb. written testsc. physical examinationsd. interviews

(d; Easy; p. 202)

105. The interview is most valid in determining an applicant'sa. potential for turnover.b. level of motivation.c. promotional possibilities.d. productivity level.

(b; Challenging; p. 202)

106. What information is provided in a realistic job preview (RJP)?a. only positive information about the jobb. only negative information about the jobc. opportunities for advancementd. both positive and negative information about the job


107. Which of the following is not a major objective of the orientation process?a. Reduce the initial anxiety of the new employee.b. Familiarize new employees with the job.c. Complete all training required for the job.d. Facilitate the outsider-insider transition.


108. Which of the following should be the basis for evaluation of a training program?a. difficulty level of the trainingb. instructor personalityc. entertainment valued. improvement in actual employee job performance

(d; Easy; p. 206)

109. One of the following is not a common problem with on the job training.

164


a. It can disrupt the workplace.b. It increases errors while learning takes place.c. Some skill training is too complex to learn on the job.d. It is becoming too costly.


110. Which of the following questions is not asked when determining if training is needed for employees?a. What are the organization's strategic goals?b. What tasks must be completed to achieve the goals?c. What behaviors are necessary in order for each jobholder to complete his/her job?d. What is the percentage increase in sales from last year?

(d; Moderate; p. 205; Ex. 66)

111. All except which of the following may be indicators that job training may be needed?a. decreases in productivityb. lower absenteeismc. increase in accidentsd. lower quality


112. Which of the following is not a typical training method?a. job rotationb. classroom lecturesc. simulation exercisesd. assessment centers


113. _____ is the process of establishing performance standards and evaluating performance in order to arrive at objective human resource decisions, and to provide documentation to support personnel decisions.a. Human resource managementb. Strategic human resource planningc. Performance management systemd. Evaluation system

(c; Easy; p. 207)

114. _____ is a performance appraisal method that requires little training and no complex forms, but may be more of a measure of the evaluator's writing ability than the performance of the employee.a. Written essayb. MBOc. Critical incidentsd. BARS


115. _____ is a performance appraisal method that focuses on specific and measurable job

165


behaviors, but is time-consuming and difficult to develop.a. Written essayb. MBOc. Critical incidentsd. BARS


116. Which of the following compares employees with one another?a. written essayb. MBOc. critical incidentsd. multiperson method

(d; Easy; p. 207; Ex. 68)

117. The use of _____ focus(es) the evaluator's attention on key behaviors that separate effective from ineffective job performance.a. graphic rating scalesb. the 360-degree appraisalc. BARSd. critical incidents


118. Which of the following appraisal methods evaluates employees on the basis of how well their performance matches established criteria?a. group order rankingb. graphic rating scalec. paired comparisond. individual ranking


119. The _____ seeks performance feedback from such sources as oneself, bosses, peers, team members, customers, and suppliers.a. graphic rating scaleb. the 360-degree appraisalc. BARSd. critical incidents


120. In the _____ approach to performance appraisal, each employee is compared with every other employee and rated as either the superior or weaker employee.a. group order rankingb. individual rankingc. paired comparisond. ranked comparison

(c; Easy; p. 208)

121. All but which of the following are discipline measures a manager can use?

166


a. verbal warningsb. written warningsc. promotiond. suspension


122. What is the premise behind employee counseling?a. It is beneficial to the employee.b. It is beneficial to the organization.c. It is beneficial to stockholders.d. It is beneficial to both the organization and the employee.


123. The process of determining a cost-effective pay structure that will attract and retain competent employees, provide an incentive for them to work hard, and ensure that pay levels will be perceived as fair is known asa. compensation administration.b. employee benefits.c. salary.d. wages.

(a; Easy; p. 210)

124. What is the primary determination of pay level?a. equityb. minimum wagec. kind of job performedd. educational level


125. Which of the following may not increase an employee’s compensation?a. higher cost of living areab. management’s compensation philosophyc. working under hazardous conditionsd. working unusual hours


126. Life insurance, disability insurance, retirement programs, and health insurance are all examples of which of the following?a. compensation administrationb. employee benefitsc. salaryd. wages


127. _____ is defined as any unwanted activity of a sexual nature that affects an

167


individual's employment.a. Sexual harassmentb. Sexual discriminationc. Affirmative actiond. BARS

(a; Easy; p. 213)

128. The EEOC cites three situations in which sexual harassment can occur. Which of the following is not included in the list of instances where verbal or physical conduct constitutes sexual harassment?a. Physical or mental conduct creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile

environment.b. Company policy exists in which employee interaction of a personal nature is

prohibited.c. Physical or mental conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual's work.d. Physical or mental conduct adversely affects an employee's employment.

(b; Challenging; pp. 212-213)

129. What can a company do to protect itself from sexual harassment claims?a. Educate all employees on this issue.b. Have mechanisms available to monitor employees.c. Document each act or occurrence.d. All of the above.


130. Historically, the relationship between a labor union and management was built ona. cooperation.b. laws.c. conflict.d. nepotism.


131. Many organizations have done a fairly good job of helping layoff victims by offering a variety of job-help services. Choose the one that is not typical.a. physiological counselingb. support groupsc. severance payd. extended health insurance benefits


132. _____ is/are a set of attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of employees that remain at work after involuntary employee reductions.a. Employee benefitsb. Compensation administrationc. Family-friendly benefitsd. Layoff-survivor sickness

(d; Moderate; pp. 216-217)

Scenario-Based Questions

168


Application of Federal Laws and Regulations Related to Human Resource Management

Mike was feeling overwhelmed in his new job as Manager of Small Products, a division of Large Corporation. The Vice President for Human Resources had called this morning to congratulate him on his promotion and to inquire as to whether he was comfortable with the major laws and regulations that were important now that he was a manager. In the course of one day, he had four employees with problems that he thought were related to these laws.

133. Sheila a manager in the Production department called to tell Mike that a study in her department determined that several female engineers in her area were paid 20% less than men in the same positions. What law prohibits this type of discrimination? a. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act b. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act c. Adverse Impact d. Equal Pay Act

(d;moderate; p. 194; Ex. 6.2)

134. Harry, the EEO statistician reviewed the hiring records several managers in the sales unit for the past 6 years and discovered that regardless of how qualified a person was or how many applicants had to select from, they never hired anyone over the age of 39 regardless of his/her qualifications. What law prohibits this type of discrimination? a. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act b. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act c. Age Discrimination in Employment Act d. Equal Opportunity Employment Act

(c; moderate; p. 194; Ex. 6.2)

135. Jennifer telephoned to tell Mike that she needed to be away from work to care for her mother who fell and broke her hip. What law permits employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a sick family member?a. Family and Medical Leave Actb. Civil Rights Act of 1991c. Americans With Disabilities Actd. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act

(a; Easy; p. 194; Ex. 62)

136. Douglas is in a wheelchair and informs Mike that the men's room door is too narrow to allow him to enter. What law requires that employers make reasonable accommodation for individuals who have physical disabilities?a. Civil Rights Act, Title VIIb. Americans With Disabilities Actc. Family and Medical Leave Actd. Equal Pay Act

(b; Easy; p. 194; Ex. 62)

137. Maryann has complained to Mike that she and Jonathan perform the same job and that she believes she is earning less than Jonathan. What law prohibits pay

169


differences between men and women for equal work?a. Civil Rights Act, Title VIIb. Pregnancy Discrimination Actc. Equal Pay Actd. Privacy Act

(c; Easy; p. 194; Ex. 62)

138. Angel has stopped by to tell her new boss her great news: she's pregnant! Angel wants to spend time at home after the birth of her baby. Mike is pleased for her, but unsure about the organization's obligation to her. He already knows about the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. What other legislation might impact this situation?a. Family and Medical Leave Actb. Civil Rights Act of 1991c. Mandatory Retirement Actd. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act

(a; Challenging; p. 194; Ex. 62)

139. Just when Mike was certain it couldn't get any worse, the home office informed him that they might have to close the plant due to the ailing economy. What law requires employers to provide 60 days notice before a facility closing?a. Civil Rights Actb. Family and Medical Leave Actc. Mandatory Retirement Actd. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act


140. Mike has just been informed that two employees have been stealing from the company and selling the items. It seems they have been doing this for more than a year; however, Mike cannot prove they are guilty and they will not admit to any wrongdoing. He wants to use a lie detector machine to get to the bottom of this matter. Will he encounter any federal regulations?a. Civil Rights Actb. Polygraph Protection Actc. Privacy Actd. Civil Rights Act, Title VII

(b; Easy; p. 194; Ex. 62)

Application of Employee Training and Development

Jo sighed. Productivity levels were down by 5% this month. After just spending $150,000 on new equipment, she was not quite sure how to explain this to top management. She had been so sure that new equipment would increase productivity levels. In fact, all the research she had done before purchasing the equipment had substantiated just that. What was the problem? Jo decided a trip to the assembly line floor was in order. Talking to the assembly line supervisor provided her with some new insights. The equipment manufacturer had said the new equipment would be easier to run than the old equipment. Jo had felt the equipment was similar enough that no training on the new equipment was necessary. Evidently that was not the case. The assembly line supervisor said there had been many down hours while people tried to figure out how to run the new machines. Furthermore, these machines were much more interrelated. One job tied into the next job, so if one person did something incorrectly, the next person on the line could not easily step in and fix the problem. In addition,

170


these machines were much more technical and computer-like than the old machines had been. Evidently, they were not as easy to use as the manufacturer had stated.

141. What type of training method should Jo provide to her employees to ensure that they understand how to use the new equipment? a. Job rotation b. Classroom lectures c. Simulation exercises d. Vestibule training

(d; moderate; p. 206; Ex. 6-7)

142. What type of training method should Jo provide to her employees to help less experienced employees benefit from the working with more experienced employees? a. Job rotation b. Understudy assignments c. Simulation exercises d. Vestibule training

(b; moderate; p. 206; Ex. 6-7)

143. What type of training method would help solve the problem that jobs are connected to one another so if one person did something incorrectly, the next person on the line cannot easily step in and fix the problem? a. Job rotation b. Understudy Assignments c. Simulation exercises d. Vestibule training

(a; moderate; p. 206; Ex. 6-7)

144. Which of the following may be a first step in solving Jo's problem?a. employee developmentb. employee trainingc. strategic human resource planningd. compensation administration

(b; Easy; pp. 204-205)

145. What is probably the main reason for the decrease in productivity?a. lack of employee developmentb. lack of employee motivationc. lack of management motivationd. lack of employee training

(d; Moderate; pp. 204-205)

146. Which question should have been asked when purchasing the new equipment?a. What are the organization’s strategic goals?b. What tasks must be completed to achieve organizational goals?

171


c. What behaviors are necessary for each jobholder to complete his or her job duties?

d. What deficiencies, if any, do job holders have in terms of skills, knowledge, or abilities required to exhibit the essential and necessary job behaviors?

(d; Challenging; p. 205; Ex. 66)

147. What may be a necessary first step in order to introduce all employees to the new system and convey some specific technical information to everyone at the same time?a. job rotationb. classroom lecturesc. simulation exercisesd. vestibule training


148. Which of the following would be most effective in training people on how to use the new equipment properly?a. job rotationb. classroom lecturesc. simulation exercisesd. vestibule training


149. Since the machines are so interrelated, which training method may help employees understand each of the differing jobs better?a. job rotationb. classroom lecturesc. simulation exercisesd. vestibule training


Application of Performance Appraisal Methods

Johanna has just returned from a conference on performance appraisal methods. It was an interesting conference and one that was needed. Johanna knew that the company method of evaluating employees needed some drastic revision. The current method is to have the immediate supervisor write out an evaluation of each individual employee. The method was time-consuming for the supervisors, and as much a test of their writing skills as it was an evaluation of performance. Johanna was leaning toward three choices. The first choice involved one of the oldest and most popular performance appraisals. This involved listing a set of performance factors such as quantity of work, quality of work, cooperation, etc. and then rating each factor on an incremental scale. The second choice involved a system that would focus on specific and measurable job behaviors. The third choice was very results-oriented and used extensively with managers and professional employees.

150. What is the current performance appraisal method being used?a. written essayb. graphic rating scalesc. BARS

172


d. MBO(a; Easy; p. 207; Ex. 68)

151. What is the name of Johanna's first choice?a. written essayb. graphic rating scalesc. BARSd. MBO


152. What would be the primary advantage of using the first choice?a. rich example of behaviorally based datab. quantitative datac. focuses on end goalsd. compares employees with one another

(b; Challenging; p. 207; Ex. 68)

153. Johanna's second choice is the critical incident method. What would be the major disadvantage of this method?a. time consuming and lack of quantificationb. depends on evaluator's writing skillsc. unwieldy with large numbers of employeesd. provides information on only critical behaviors that foster ineffective job

performance(a; Challenging; p. 207; Ex. 68)

154. What is the third choice that Johanna is considering?a. written essayb. graphic rating scalesc. BARSd. MBO

(d; Challenging; p. 207; Ex. 68)

155. One method that is commonly used is the one that she overlooked. It focuses on specific and measurable job behaviors, although it is time consuming and difficult to develop measures.a. critical incidentsb. graphic rating scalesc. BARSd. 360 degree appraisal


Short Discussion Questions

156. How does the Americans with Disabilities Act protect employees against discrimination and unfairness?

173


This law prohibits employers from discriminating against people with disabilities and requires reasonable accommodation of essentially qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities including those who are chronically ill.(moderate; p. 194; Ex. 6-2)

157. What is employment planning?

This is the process by which management determines and ensures that it has the right numbers and kinds of people in the right places at the right time, who are able to help the organization achieve its goals and objectives. (easy; pp. 195-196)

158. In terms of an employee selection method or device, what is meant by the term “reliability”?

The reliability of a selection method or device is the extent to which it measures the same thing consistently over time.(moderate; pp. 199-200)

159. What is a realistic job preview?

It is a process used to provide job candidates with both positive and negative information about a job and the company, during the interview/selection process (prior to making a offer)(easy; p. 203)

160. Describe the strategic human resource management process.

The process seeks to find the best personnel to accomplish the job in the most efficient and effective manner. Planning, recruiting, selecting, orientation, training, performance appraisals, compensation, and safety and health issues, as well as current issues must all be effectively dealt with.(Easy; pp. 192-193; Ex. 6-1)

161. Compare and contrast job analysis, job description, and job specification.

Job analysis—the process of determining exactly what is involved in performing a job. Job description—a detailed description of the duties required in a specific job. Job specification—the qualifications, skills, knowledge, education, and abilities a person must possess in order to be able to perform the job.(Moderate; p. 196)

162. List five of the traditional recruiting sources.

Internal searches Advertisements Public employment agencies Private employment agencies School placement Temporary help services Employee leasing and independent contractors

(Easy; p. 198; Ex. 63)

174


163. Explain the downsizing options of job sharing, early retirements, and reduced workweeks.

Job sharing entails having employees, typically two part-timers, share one full-time position. When we provide incentives to older and more-senior employees for retiring before their normal retirement date we are practicing early retirements. Rather than laying off employees, we can allow them to work reduced workweeks by working fewer hours per week, share jobs, or perform their jobs on a part-time basis.(Moderate; p. 199; Ex. 64)

Medium-Length Discussion Questions

164. What are the major roles of the HRM Function and what is the HRM Process?

HRM is the function that is concerned with getting, training, motivating, and keeping competent employees. There are several key steps in the HRM Process 1) Identification and selection of competent employees, 2) Adapted/competent employees with up to date skills, knowledge and abilities, and 3) Employees who are capable of sustaining high-long-term performance.(moderate; p. 192)

165. Compare and contrast validity and reliability in relationship to employment selection.

Any selection process must be both valid and reliable. It is management's responsibility to demonstrate that all selection devices are both reliable and valid. Reliability demonstrates that a selection device will obtain the same results consistently. Validity demonstrates that there is a relationship between the selection device and the relevant job criteria.(Challenging; pp. 199-201)

166. Describe two types of training methods that can be used.

On-the-job training methods include job rotation and understudy assignments. Off-the-job training methods include classroom lectures, films and videos, simulation exercises, and vestibule training.(Moderate; p. 1206; Ex. 67)

167. Describe a performance management system.

It is a process of establishing performance standards and evaluating performance in order to arrive at objective human resource decisions, such as pay increases and training costs, as well as to provide documentation to support any personnel actions.(Easy; p. 207)

Comprehensive Essays

168. Describe the legal background of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and its amendments from 1964 to the present—include in your answer other legislation that guarantees or protects equal opportunity employment.

175


The Civil Rights Act, Title VII of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 provides that men and women in the same jobs in the same organization should be paid equally for doing equal work.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits age discrimination against employees between 40 and 65 years of age.

Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits employers from discriminating against and requires reasonable accommodation of essentially qualified individuals who have physical or mental disabilities, or who are chronically ill.

Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 permits employees in organizations with 50 or more workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for family or medical reasons.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 establishes mandatory health and safety standards in workplaces.

(moderate; p. 194; Ex. 6-2)

169. Describe the following laws related to human resource management: Civil Rights Act, Title VII; Age Discrimination in Employment Act; Americans With Disabilities Act; and Family and Medical Leave Act.

The Civil Rights Act, Title VII prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act prohibits age discrimination against employees between 40 and 65 years of age; amended by Mandatory Retirement Act to prohibit retirement because of age. Americans With Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discriminating against and requires reasonable accommodation of essentially qualified individuals who have physical or mental disabilities, or who are chronically ill. Family and Medical Leave Act permits employees in organizations with 50 or more workers to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave each year for family or medical reasons.(Challenging; p. 194; Ex. 62)

170. Provide the major biases found in interviewing job candidates.

Prior knowledge about the applicant. Interviewer tends to hold a stereotype of what represents a good applicant. Interviewer tends to favor applicants who share his or her own attitudes. The order in which applicants are interviewed will influence evaluations. Negative information is given unduly high weight. Interviewer is too quick to make decisions. Interviewer may forget much of the interview’s content within minutes.(Challenging; p. 202)

171. What is the role of a realistic job preview (RJP)?

The realistic job preview seeks to ultimately increase job satisfaction among employees and reduce turnover. A RJP includes both positive and negative information about the job and the company. Research shows that employees are better prepared to deal with the successes and frustrations of the job. For managers, a RJP offers a major insight into the human resource management process, that is, retaining good people is as important as obtaining them in the first place.(Moderate; p. 103)

176

Documents

BusinessNow Video Case - Al Akhawayn University in …O.Elhalimi/fom5_tif06.doc · Web viewGraphic rating scales, behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS), the critical-incident