Exam 1: The World of Human Resources Management

Many prospective employees are interested in obtaining a job where they can learn new skills and improve existing skills. Which organization would be the most attractive to such candidates?

Why have managers had to find ways to empower employees and encourage their participation and involvement to more fully utilize human capital?

Rather than simply laying off people in downsizing efforts, companies such as L. L. Bean rely upon voluntary separation programs to provide an incentive for employees to leave on their own accord.

Which statement best captures how attitudes toward work are changing?

Organizations known for product and service quality recognize the importance of employees in fostering quality improvements.

Some companies report that offering family-friendly benefits is so successful there are virtually no drawbacks.

According to the diagram in the text, courage is an important aspect of being an HR professional.

One of the main reasons change efforts fail is that organizations do not create a sense of urgency.

It is quite possible that when managers increase costs productivity often rises.

In highly competitive environments, managing organizational change has become which of the following?

In an effort to prevent downsizing its employees, ABC Inc. has asked its staff to accept reduced pay. What strategy is ABC Inc. using?

Scenario 1.1 Canada Proud is a small food processing company located in northern British Columbia. Recently, it has faced pressures from competitors who have been able to produce similar products cheaper. The owners of Canada Proud are looking into the possibility of starting a branch of the company in Mexico. Trade agreements among countries around the globe help companies like Canada Proud in becoming globally competitive. However, the company is aware that there may be opposition to such a move, especially if it affects the future viability of its current operations. -Refer to Scenario 1.1. What would be a big challenge for Canada Proud's HRM professionals if the company decides to open a division in Mexico?

The knowledge, skills, and capabilities that impact a company's performance but do not necessarily show up on its balance sheet are known as human capital.

Scenario 1.2 The leadership at ABS Inc. has been pondering on the use of higher levels and intensity of technology in their operations. The organization has a close knit group of about 200 employees and a strong organizational culture. It is worried that its employees could become dependent on technology and this would affect the culture. The firm is also worried about the costs to implement the technology and whether the employees can be trained. -Refer to Scenario 1.2. While ABS is worried about technology's effect on its culture, there is another potentially negative effect for some workers. What is it?

What is the term for the practice of hiring someone outside the company to perform tasks that could be done internally?

Which of the following is one of the largest expenditures of service companies?

Which of the following best summarizes the competency model for HR professionals?

Scenario 1.1 Canada Proud is a small food processing company located in northern British Columbia. Recently, it has faced pressures from competitors who have been able to produce similar products cheaper. The owners of Canada Proud are looking into the possibility of starting a branch of the company in Mexico. Trade agreements among countries around the globe help companies like Canada Proud in becoming globally competitive. However, the company is aware that there may be opposition to such a move, especially if it affects the future viability of its current operations. -Refer to Scenario 1.1. How can locating a new division in Mexico help the company become more competitive?

To build human capital in organizations, managers should rely upon staffing programs that focus on which of the following?

Organization C is attempting to manage reactive change within the organization. This organization is radically changing every process through redesigning and rethinking from the ground up. The firm needs a dramatic change in order to survive. What is Organization C implementing?