HR Strategy and People Management

Questions and Answers

What did the 'HP Way' primarily emphasize within Hewlett-Packard?

Respect for individuals, trust, and teamwork (correct)

Decentralized structure and autonomy

Innovation and strategic oversight

Financial performance and market share

Which phase of organizational growth is characterized by increased control and oversight?

Delegation (correct)

Collaboration

Direction

Coordination

What is a key component of a successful HR strategy?

Emphasizing external hiring only

Developing a clear philosophy for managing people (correct)

Creating competitive work environments

Investing solely in technology

What was a consequence of the leadership changes under Fiorina at Hewlett-Packard?

Perception of neglect towards the employee-centric culture Signup and view all the answers

Which practice enhances employee retention within an organization?

Promoting from within Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the 'Revolution' phase in an organization's growth?

A time of crisis and turmoil Signup and view all the answers

In the context of informal roles, which role best represents a person who is process-oriented?

Communicator Signup and view all the answers

In organizational development, which dimension does not influence an organization's growth?

Culture of the leadership Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental aspect of inquiry in interpersonal dynamics?

Questioning and testing assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What typically emerges in competitive environments within organizations?

Sides that form based on interests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following encourages diversity within a team?

Holding managers accountable for diversity Signup and view all the answers

What does power refer to in an organizational context?

The ability to make someone act against their will Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy is effective for managing informal processes in teams?

Testing and questioning assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary importance of power within an organization?

To achieve goals and help meet the needs of people Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a source of dominance in power dynamics?

Control of agendas and rewards Signup and view all the answers

Which political view sees organizations as coalitions of individuals with differing interests?

Political view Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a method to influence others without relying on dominance or prestige?

Coercive measures Signup and view all the answers

What role does competition play in organizational power dynamics?

It drives individuals to excel and move up the ladder Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason politics within organizations can be constructive?

It encourages fair and efficient decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of exercising political influence?

Ignore any conflicts or disagreements Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power relies on convincing others through reputation and expertise?

Prestige power Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes strategy from operational effectiveness?

Strategy involves different activities or similar activities done differently. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a source of power within an organization?

Personal charisma Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of alliances in organizational power dynamics?

To expand influence and strengthen power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of knowing your BATNA before entering negotiations?

To strengthen your negotiating position. Signup and view all the answers

Focusing on underlying interests instead of fixed positions allows negotiators to:

Identify common ground for creative solutions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of practicing negotiations?

It helps refine approach and build confidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ethical dilemmas in leadership is true?

Leaders must balance self-interest with organizational goals. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus when preparing for negotiations?

Defining clear, measurable goals. Signup and view all the answers

How do organizational structures and policies influence employee outcomes?

They can enhance motivation and engagement. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'faultlines' in the context of group dynamics?

Hypothetical dividing lines based on demographic characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does demographic diversity have in organizations?

It can foster creativity and innovation. Signup and view all the answers

How does leadership style affect group cohesion?

Effective leadership fosters group cohesion and organizational effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is critical for fostering organizational commitment?

Shared values and cultural alignment. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when faultlines align in a diverse group?

It can lead to increased subgroup conflict. Signup and view all the answers

How is employee satisfaction linked to organizational objectives?

Satisfaction corresponds with congruence between personal goals and organizational objectives. Signup and view all the answers

In the political frame of organizational behavior, what is crucial for leaders?

Understanding and navigating group dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Improving HR

Establish a clear HR philosophy focused on people management.
Implement systems and practices aligned with the HR philosophy.
Selectively hire individuals with the desired qualities and skills.
Retain talent through adequate rewards, job protection, and opportunities for promotion.
Invest in employee learning and development for continuous growth.
Empower employees with information, autonomy, and support to encourage participation.
Foster self-managing teams and promote egalitarian work environments.
Actively promote a diverse workplace with a clear diversity philosophy and accountability for managers.

Groups and Informal Dynamics

Informal roles within teams include contributors (task-oriented), collaborators (symbolic direction), communicators (process-oriented), and challengers (questioning norms).
Informal norms develop organically, guiding behaviors without formal mandates.
Informal networks often form based on personal relationships and likes.

Interpersonal and Group Dynamics

Advocacy involves trying to influence others by diagnosing issues and proposing solutions; it can lead to defensiveness and resistance.
Inquiry promotes collective problem-solving through open communication and testing assumptions.
Competitive dynamics can create silos, with biases arising from the desire to win or confirm pre-existing beliefs.

Political Dynamics and Power

Power is defined as the ability of one party (A) to influence another (B) to act against their inclination.
Dependency occurs when one party (A) possesses something desired by another (B).
Various views on power include structural (authority-based), human resources (empowerment), and political (negotiation of interests).
Power can stem from dominance (position, coercive, or control of agendas) or prestige (expertise, reputation, and personal networks).
Power is essential for achieving goals, blocking obstacles, and shaping organizational culture.

Approaches to Power

Effective influence strategies that don't rely on traditional power include reciprocity, commitment, social proof, and authority signals.
Effective negotiation preparation involves defining clear goals, understanding BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement), and researching the counterpart's interests and constraints.

Organizational Growth and Strategy

Organizations experience evolution (stability) and revolution (crisis) during growth phases.
Navigating crises effectively determines progress to subsequent growth stages.
Strategic positioning involves differentiating organizational activities from competitors.

Power in Organizations

Knowledge of power dynamics and distributions is crucial, as organizations are political arenas with limited resources and natural conflict.
Building alliances and coalitions is vital for influence within organizations.
Ethical dilemmas arise as leaders balance personal ambitions with organizational objectives.

Key Articles on Organizational Behavior

Mowday & Sutton emphasize how individual and group dynamics affect decision-making, motivation, and organizational commitment.
Lau & Murnighan introduce "faultlines" that highlight how demographic diversity can create subgroups, affecting cohesion and performance.
Kanter discusses the necessity of navigating interpersonal conflicts and managing diversity in organizational settings.

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Description

This quiz focuses on improving human resource strategies by developing a clear philosophy for managing employees, effective hiring practices, and retention strategies. Explore key practices like employee investment, empowerment, and creating development opportunities to foster a productive workplace.