Management Authority Types Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What process follows after the line manager specifies qualifications for a position?

HR directly hires employees without screening

HR develops sources for qualified applicants (correct)

All applicants are interviewed by the line manager

The line manager conducts training for new employees

What is the primary responsibility of the line manager in HR management?

To create human resource practices to support cultural values

To train employees for their roles

To specify the qualifications needed for positions (correct)

To conduct initial screening interviews for applicants

Which HR role involves creating human resource practices that align with cultural values?

Strategy Architect

Talent Manager

Culture and Change Steward (correct)

Operational Executor

Why is it important for today's HR managers to understand employment law?

To ensure compliance with all regulations Signup and view all the answers

What does evidence-based human resource management primarily rely on?

Data, facts, analytics, and research Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following roles requires HR managers to apply business knowledge to aid other managers?

Business Allies Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of a Credible Activist in HR management?

Both credible and active in their roles Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following areas should HR managers NOT specialize?

Sales strategies of the company Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of an HR manager in regard to employees?

Assisting line managers with hiring and evaluating employees Signup and view all the answers

Which role does an HR manager play when providing information on current trends?

Innovator Signup and view all the answers

What defines a line manager's primary role?

To direct the work of subordinates and achieve organizational tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes staff authority?

It creates a relationship where one manager can advise another. Signup and view all the answers

What type of authority allows an HR manager to guide line managers in their departmental activities?

Line authority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following duties does a compensation manager typically handle?

Handling employee benefits and compensation plans Signup and view all the answers

Which function is NOT typically associated with line managers?

Advising other departments on policies Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of HR managers?

Coordinating personnel activities Signup and view all the answers

Which role focuses on protecting the interests of employees while meeting management's obligations?

Employee advocate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tasks is generally NOT performed by line managers?

Advising on staff selection Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key functions of a training specialist in human resources?

Planning and directing training activities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following HR duties is NOT typically performed by line managers?

Recruiting job applicants Signup and view all the answers

What type of authority does a human resource manager exercise when suggesting a new training program to a production manager?

Staff authority Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of an equal employment opportunity (EEO) coordinator?

Investigating EEO grievances and violations Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility involves enhancing employee performance within the organization?

Training employees Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between line managers and staff managers?

Line managers are responsible for tasks, whereas staff managers only advise. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Line Authority

Line authority gives managers the right to issue orders to other managers or employees.
This creates a relationship of superior (order giver) to subordinate (order receiver).
Example: A Vice President of Sales tells their Sales Director to get the sales presentation ready by Tuesday.
This demonstrates the Vice President's line authority over the Sales Director.

Staff Authority

Staff authority gives managers the right to advise other managers or employees.
This creates an advisory relationship.
Example: A Human Resource Manager suggests that the Plant Manager use a particular selection test.
This is an example of the Human Resource Manager's staff authority to advise the Plant Manager.

Line Managers vs. Staff Managers

Line managers have line authority and are responsible for directing the work of subordinates.
Staff managers have staff (advisory) authority and assist and advise line managers.
Staff managers typically lead departments that provide advisory support, such as purchasing and human resource management.
HR managers are typically staff managers who assist and advise line managers in areas such as recruiting, hiring, and compensation.

Line Managers' HRM Duties

Placing the right person in the right job.
Orienting new employees.
Training employees for new jobs.
Improving employee performance.
Building strong relationships and fostering cooperation.
Interpreting firm policies and procedures.
Managing labor costs.
Developing employees' abilities.
Maintaining high department morale.
Protecting employees' health and well-being.

Human Resource Manager Functions

Human resource managers perform three key functions:
- Line function: Directing the activities of the people within their own department and related service areas.
- Coordinative function: Coordinating personnel activities across departments to ensure smooth operations.
- Staff (assist and advise) function: Assisting and advising line managers on various HR-related matters.

Cooperative Line and Staff HR Management

Line and staff HR management should be cooperative, with clear responsibilities.
Line managers determine the required qualifications for specific positions.
HR staff identifies qualified applicants and conducts initial screening interviews.
HR refers the best applicants to the line managers, who then interview and select the candidates they want.

HR Organizational Chart

Small companies may have a simple HR department structure (Small Company HR Organizational Chart).
Large companies often have a more complex HR department structure, with specialized units (Large Company HR Organizational Chart).

Employment and Recruiting

The majority of employers use internal recruitment processes and external recruitment processes.

The New HR Manager

Modern HR managers require a diverse set of knowledge, skills, and competencies to be successful.
Talent Managers/Organization Designers: Mastering traditional HR tasks like employee acquisition, training, and compensation.
Culture and Change Stewards: Creating HR practices that support the company's cultural values and navigate change.
Strategy Architects: Helping establish the company's strategic plan and creating HR practices to support it.
Operational Executors: Anticipating, drafting, and implementing HR practices to support the company's strategy.
Business Allies: Applying business knowledge to help functional and general managers achieve their goals.
Credible Activists: Being respected, admired, listened to, and offering insightful perspectives to challenge assumptions.

Understanding Employment Law

HR managers must stay updated on various employment laws including:
- Equal employment laws.
- Occupational safety and health laws.
- Labor laws.

Evidence-based Human Resource Management

HR managers should use data, facts, analytics, scientific rigor, critical evaluation, and research to support their proposals, decisions, practices, and conclusions.

Staff Function: Assisting and Advising Line Managers

The HR manager's core responsibility is to assist and advise line managers.
HR provides support in hiring, training, evaluating, rewarding, counseling, promoting, and terminating employees.
HR helps line managers comply with equal employment and occupational safety laws.

The Innovator and Employee Advocacy Roles

HR managers play two crucial roles within the staff function:
- Innovator: Providing up-to-date information on industry trends and new approaches to effectively utilize employees.
- Employee Advocate: Representing employee interests while remaining accountable to senior management.

HR and Authority

Implied Authority: The authority exerted by an HR manager due to others' understanding of their access to top management.
Line Authority: The authority exerted by an HR manager when directly managing the activities within their department and related service areas.

Examples of HR Job Duties

Recruiters: Search for qualified job applicants.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Coordinators: Investigate and resolve EEO grievances, ensure compliance, and submit EEO reports.
Job Analysts: Gather and analyze information about jobs to develop job descriptions.
Compensation Managers: Develop compensation plans and manage the employee benefits program.
Training Specialists: Plan, organize, and conduct training activities.
Labor Relations Specialists: Advise management on all aspects of union-management relations.

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Description

Test your understanding of line and staff authority in management. Learn about the differences between line managers and staff managers, and how authority affects organizational structure. This quiz includes practical examples to help clarify concepts.