Human Capital and Strategic Planning Quiz
42 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'Human Capital' according to the provided text?

  • The total number of employees an organization has.
  • The collective value of an organization's workforce's skills, knowledge, and experience. (correct)
  • The financial resources available to an organization for hiring and training.
  • The total amount of capital invested in technology and equipment.
  • What is the difference between effectiveness and efficiency in the context of using human capital?

  • Effectiveness measures the cost of the program, while efficiency measures its success in achieving its goals.
  • Effectiveness measures the output, while efficiency measures the cost of achieving that output. (correct)
  • Effectiveness is a subjective measure, while efficiency is an objective measure.
  • Effectiveness is measured by profit, while efficiency is measured by market share.
  • What is the role of 'strategic planning' in an organization?

  • To determine the company's overall mission and values.
  • To assess the performance of individual employees.
  • To develop short-term operational goals and objectives.
  • To allocate resources and define a direction for achieving long-term goals. (correct)
  • Which of the following is NOT a legal consideration for workforce reductions?

    <p>Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a step in the strategic planning process outlined in the text?

    <p>Conduct a SWOT analysis of competitor strengths and weaknesses. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these options is a strategy for managing a talent surplus?

    <p>Attrition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a strength of an organization's human capital, according to the provided text?

    <p>Employees with strong intellectual capital and a commitment to the organization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of 'succession planning'?

    <p>To identify and train potential replacements for key employees. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the goal of managing talent imbalances?

    <p>To ensure high-quality talent is available to carry out business strategies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a strategy for managing a talent shortage?

    <p>Hiring freezes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the 'gig economy'?

    <p>An economy where a majority of work is done by temporary or freelance workers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential challenge or risk associated with the 'gig economy'?

    <p>A potential lack of employee benefits and job security. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which law prohibits using race, sex, national origin, or religion as selection criteria for layoffs?

    <p>Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when evaluating a candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of a job?

    <p>Personal beliefs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a legal consideration when making hiring decisions?

    <p>Employee benefits packages (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary objective of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act?

    <p>To ensure that employees are provided with adequate notice before a mass layoff (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)?

    <p>Requiring a firefighter to pass a physical fitness test. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a reasonable accommodation that an employer might offer to a qualified individual with a disability?

    <p>Providing a sign language interpreter for an employee who is deaf. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered a protected characteristic under federal law?

    <p>Sexual Orientation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term "disparate impact" in the context of employment discrimination?

    <p>When an employment practice appears neutral but has a discriminatory effect on a particular group. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a requirement for an employer to prove that a job qualification is a BFOQ?

    <p>It must be a necessary requirement to ensure the overall success of the company. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which federal law requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities?

    <p>The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the key areas of protection provided by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)?

    <p>Leaves of absence, prompt reemployment, protection from discharge, retaliation, health insurance continuation and continued seniority rights (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following types of inquiries are generally considered unlawful during the hiring process?

    <p>Inquiries about an applicant's religious affiliation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the best course of action when an employee requests a leave of absence with military orders?

    <p>Verify the orders and approve the leave (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the labor force participation rate according to the Department of Labor in December 2023?

    <p>62.5% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the "interactive process" in the context of reasonable accommodations under the ADA?

    <p>A structured dialogue between the employer and the employee with a disability to determine what accommodations, if any, are necessary for the employee to perform their job. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary challenge for HR planning identified in the provided text?

    <p>The lack of skilled employees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a contingent worker?

    <p>A temporary or freelance worker for a specific period and type of work (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which job design approach involves assigning an individual more tasks of similar complexity?

    <p>Job enlargement (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which job design approach would a new manager gain experience by working in different roles within the organization?

    <p>Job rotation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which job design approach aims to increase employee responsibility and autonomy by adding planning, organizing, controlling, and/or evaluating tasks to a job?

    <p>Job enrichment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a potential source of information for job analysis?

    <p>Competitor analysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which job design approach involves breaking down a complex job into smaller, more manageable tasks?

    <p>Job simplification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a method for collecting job analysis information?

    <p>Surveys (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of a job description?

    <p>To provide clarity on job responsibilities and qualifications (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is NOT typically included in a job specifications section?

    <p>Job title and department (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor influences employee performance the least according to the performance equation?

    <p>Work-life balance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a top motivator for employees?

    <p>Being appreciated (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which element does NOT contribute to the performance results equation?

    <p>Communication skills (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a job description checklist, which item comes first in the identification section?

    <p>Job title and department (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT typically covered in job analysis regarding the demands of a job?

    <p>Company culture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Talent Surplus

    Situation where there are more employees than needed for business strategies.

    Talent Shortage

    Condition where there are not enough employees to meet business needs.

    Manage Talent Surplus

    Strategies to address having too many employees, such as reducing hours or layoffs.

    Manage Talent Shortage

    Strategies to fill positions when employee numbers are low, like overtime or outsourcing.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

    Law prohibiting employment discrimination based on sex, race, and other factors.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Age Discrimination in Employment Act

    Protection against discrimination in hiring based on age.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    WARN Act

    Law requiring employers to provide advance notice of mass layoffs.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Requirements in Employment Decisions

    Criteria for hiring based on the essential functions and qualifications for the job.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Annual Training for Employees

    Mandatory yearly training with employee acknowledgment to prevent harassment claims.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Military Status Protections

    Laws ensuring job security and benefits for military members, like USERRA.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Labor Force Participation Rate

    Percentage of the population actively working or seeking work.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Contingent Worker

    A temporary or freelance worker not classified as a full-time employee.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Generational Groups

    Distinct age cohorts in the workforce, including Baby Boomers, Gen X, Y, and Z.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Essential Functions

    The fundamental job duties that must be performed.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ)

    Legitimate requirements essential for a job position.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Reasonable Accommodation

    Adjustments made to allow qualified individuals to perform essential work.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Undue Hardship

    Significant difficulty or expense for an employer when accommodating disabilities.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Protected Characteristics

    Attributes that cannot be used as a basis for discrimination.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Disparate Treatment

    Different treatment of individuals based on non-job-related characteristics.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Disparate Impact

    Neutral policies that affect a protected group negatively.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

    Law that prohibits discrimination and requires accommodations for disabled individuals.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Human Capital

    The collective value of the workforce's skills, knowledge, and motivation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Staffing

    The process of recruiting, selecting, and training employees.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gig Economy

    An economy where temporary and freelance work is prevalent.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Skill Shortages

    Insufficient supply of workers with necessary skills.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Effectiveness

    The ability of a task to produce the desired result.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Strategic Planning

    Defining an organization's direction and allocating resources.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Organizational Mission

    The overall goal or purpose of a company or department.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Succession Planning

    Identifying plans for replacing key employees methodically.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Design

    The process of organizing tasks and responsibilities into a productive work unit.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Redesign

    Changing existing jobs in various ways to improve them.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Simplification

    Breaking down a complex job into smaller, manageable tasks.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Enlargement

    Broadening the scope of a job by adding more tasks.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Rotation

    Shifting a person between different jobs to gain experience.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sources of Data

    The origin of information for job analysis, including company, managers, and 3rd party sources.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Methods of Data Collection

    Techniques used to gather job-related information, such as questionnaires, interviews, and observations.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Analysis Components

    Key information needed for job analysis: tasks, skills, responsibilities, and more.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Description Checklist

    A structured list used to outline job title, responsibilities, and specifications.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Essential Job Functions

    The main duties and responsibilities of a job, prioritized by importance.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Job Specifications

    Requirements for a job, including knowledge, skills, education, and physical demands.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Top Motivators

    Key factors that motivate employees, such as appreciation and respect in the workplace.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Performance Equation

    A formula showing that performance results come from employee effort, ability, and company support.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Test 1 Review - Spring 2025

    • Exam covers chapters 1-5
    • 50 multiple choice questions
    • Read questions slowly and carefully
    • Pay close attention to specific words (e.g., "not")
    • Direct costs involve financial costs; indirect costs include non-financial factors like staffing shortages
    • 1 hour and 15 minutes for the exam
    • Bring a laptop
    • Make arrangements with the library if you don't have a laptop
    • Closed book exam; no notes allowed
    • Foreign students with an English dictionary allowed (Korean, Spanish or German)
    • Bring the dictionary to class early

    Chapter 1 - Human Resource Management

    • Designing formal systems to manage talent
    • Accomplishing organizational objectives and goals
    • Roles include selecting, training, rewarding, managing, and retaining employees

    Core HR Functions

    • Strategy and planning
    • Equal employment opportunity
    • Talent acquisition
    • Talent management
    • Total rewards
    • Risk management and worker protection
    • Employee and labor relations

    What HR Does

    • Assist in achieving higher profits and employee productivity
    • Adapting to a changing, diverse workforce (e.g., considering Sex, Age and other protected classes)
    • Legal compliance (following government statutes and regulations)
    • Hiring the right people with the correct skills at the right time

    Benefits and Challenges of Technology

    • Helps in strategic HR planning and business forecasting models
    • Improves administrative and operational efficiency (e.g., record keeping)
    • Reduces costs in recruitment, selection, and training
    • Over-reliance on technology may negatively impact learning

    Human Capital and Staffing

    • Human capital is the collective value of workforce capabilities, knowledge, skills, life experiences, and motivation
    • Staffing includes full-time, part-time, and gig economy employees (e.g., temporaries, seasonal employees)
    • Skill shortages can be an issue
    • Inadequate supply of workers with the needed skills is also a problem

    Effectiveness and Efficiency of Human Capital

    • Effectiveness is the ability of a program to produce its desired effect or result and is measurable
    • Efficiency is the degree to which operations are carried out in an economical manner
    • Cost analysis of new programs and whether these translate into business improvements

    Chapter 2 - Strategy and Strategic Planning

    • Strategy is a plan for an organization to compete, survive, and grow
    • Strategic planning involves defining organizational strategy and direction, along with allocating resources for achievement

    Strategic Planning Process

    • Identify organizational mission
    • Establish goals and objectives
    • Develop organizational strategies
    • Formulate steps to complete strategies
    • Implement plan
    • Evaluate and reassess

    Figure 2-5: HR Planning Process

    • Review—organizations and environmental analysis and strategic plans
    • Assess—external and internal workforce, external conditions and influences, internal workforce capabilities and KSAs
    • Compile— HR Planning Forecasts
      • Demands for human resource supply of human resources
    • Develop—HR Staffing plans and actions
      • employee retention and turnover, recruiting sources, select process, actions

    SWOT Analysis

    • Identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in human resources Strengths: Intellectual capital, loyal/committed/innovative employees, high performance workforce, etc. Weaknesses: Lack of leadership pipeline, outdated talent management practices Opportunities: Market positions, unexplored markets, global expansion, technology advances Threats: Legal mandates, competitor power, economic uncertainty, talent shortages

    Succession Planning

    • Process of identifying a plan for the orderly replacement of employees
    • Goal: ensure high-quality talent is available to execute business strategies

    Talent Imbalances

    • Managing Talent Surplus -Reduce employee work hours, Attrition, Hiring freezes, Voluntary separation programs, Workforce downsizing/reduction in force (RIF)
    • Managing a Shortage -Increase employee hours, use third parties, implement alternative work arrangements, Use contingent workers (temporaries, independent contractors), Reduce employee turnover/Retention bonus
    • Selection criteria for laying off employees. (Avoid illegal biases: sex, race, national origin)
    • Age Discrimination in Employment Act
    • Americans with Disabilities Act
    • Other Laws—WARN Act, COBRA, Older Workers Benefit Protection Act (OWBPA)

    Chapter 3: Workplace Decisions and Discrimination

    • Employment decisions must be based on job requirements and employee qualifications
    • Ability to perform essential functions of the job or position
    • Reasonable accommodations in cases of disability or pregnancy

    Employment, Job Descriptions/Requirements

    • Based on business necessity (safe and efficient operations)
    • Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQs) are legitimate requirements

    Reasonable Accommodation/Undue Hardship

    • Reasonable accommodation modifies the job or work environment to allow qualified individuals equal opportunity to perform the essential work
    • Undue hardship is a significant difficulty or expense imposed when making accommodations

    Major Protected Characteristics

    • Race, creed, color, national origin, religion, and sex
    • Includes marital status, pregnancy, disability, military status, age, and genetic information.
    • Many states and local governments have additional categories

    Unlawful Discrimination

    • Disparate treatment is intentional discrimination against individuals with certain characteristics
    • Disparate impact occurs when neutral employment practices adversely affect a protected group of people

    Federal Disability Protections

    • Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (protects federal contractors)
    • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ( applies to 15 or more employees, prohibits discrimination, and requires interactive process regarding reasonable accommodations -
    • ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) broadens the definition of disability (includes perceived disability)

    Pregnancy, FMLA, & Equal Pay

    • Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) and Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
    • Treating maternity leave the same as other leave types
    • Can the employer provide a reasonable accommodation to allow a pregnant employee to continue working?
    • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Allows up to 12 weeks of unpaid family leave in certain situations.
    • The Equal Pay Act: Requires employers to pay similar wage rates for similar work, regardless of gender

    Age Discrimination Laws

    • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects individuals 40 and older against employment discrimination
    • Older Workers Benefit Protection Act ((OWBPA) protects employees who sign a release/waiver of age discrimination in exchange for severance packages

    Sexual Harassment Prevention

    • Establish a sexual harassment policy, communicate it regularly, train employees and managers on sexual harassment issues, support reporting with positive culture, have a neutral investigator, investigate and take action to prevent sexual harassment

    Harassment Policies

    • Adopt policies against harassment based on ethnicity, jokes, vulgar epithets, racial slurs, etc.
    • Employ training for managers in preventing employee harassment

    Military Status Protection

    • Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance
    • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) provides leaves of absence and return to employment rights
    • Prompt reemployment on return, protection from discharge and retaliation, health insurance continuation, and continued seniority rights

    Chapter 4 - Workforce Participation and Profile

    • Labor force participation rate (December 2023): 62.5%
    • Workforce relationships—Full-Time, Part-Time and Contingent worker: A temporary employee or freelancer
    • Generational differences can impact HR planning

    Job Design and Job Redesign

    • Job design: Organizing tasks into units of work.
    • Influences performance, affects overall job satisfaction, impacting physical and mental well being and satisfaction
    • Job redesign: Modifying existing jobs to improve them.
    • Approaches: job simplification, job enlargement, job enrichment, job rotation

    Job Analysis—Methods and Sources

    • Who: HR, Operations, Management, 3rd party consultants
    • Where: Company, Managers, Employees, Department of Labor
    • How: Questionnaires, Interviews, Observations

    Job Analysis—Information Needed

    • Tasks, Duties, Skills needed, Responsibilities, Tools and Equipment, Supervisory decisions, Working Hours/Schedules/Travel, Physical, Emotional Demands, knowledge, education, experience and certifications

    Job Description—Drafting a Checklist

    • Job ID
    • Reporting Relationships, Location, Date
    • General Summary, Overview of Duties
    • Essential Job Functions and Duties - Task, duties, responsibilities in order of importance
    • Job Specifications: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Physical requirements
    • Disclaimers and Approvals
    • Legal disclaimers. Allow employer update / change Job Description

    Chapter 5—Motivation, Performance, Retention

    • Employee Effort + Employee Ability + Company Support = Performance Results
    • Motivators: Appreciation, respect, utilizing personal capabilities, liking the job
    • Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Lower needs must be met first
    • Implied expectations are based on psychological contracts

    Components of Job Satisfaction

    • Adequacy of pay, Opportunity for advancement, Supervision, Coworkers, nature of work
    • Disengaged employees tend to be dissatisfied

    Costs of Absenteeism

    • Direct costs: Replacement, overtime
    • Indirect costs: Lost productivity, lower quality work, replacement training, customer issues, slower pace, overstaffing to cover absences

    Employee Turnover

    • Turnover is costly and takes time
    • Signs of employee dissatisfaction
    • Costs of turnover: separation costs, vacancy costs, replacement costs, training costs, hidden/indirect costs

    Retention Strategies

    • Retaining top performers: Executive mentoring, Challenging assignments, management competencies development, regular performance feedback
    • Retention drivers: Organizational/management factors, Employee-supervisor relationships, job/work-life balance, rewards, career training and development, and employer policies/practices

    Process for Managing Retention

    • Measurement and assessment
    • Management interventions
    • Evaluation and follow-up
    • Turnover and churn (hiring new workers while laying off others)

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Test 1 Review Spring 2025 (PDF)

    Description

    Test your knowledge on human capital, strategic planning, and workforce management. This quiz covers definitions, differences between effectiveness and efficiency, and important legal considerations in the context of managing talent. Enhance your understanding of the gig economy and strategic workforce planning.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser