WGU D351 v2 All topics study guide exam
with complete solutions
What role does the planning function of human resource management play within
organizations? - ANSWER- The planning function of human resource
management involves two major activities: strategic planning, and short- and
medium-range planning. Such strategic objectives may include increasing market
share, revenue growth, product or service diversity, and profit margins, as well as
planning for financial obligations and other eventualities.
What role does the staffing function of human resource management play within
organizations? - ANSWER- recruiting job applicants (also known as candidates),
and then selecting the most appropriate applicants for the available jobs.
What are the types of employee compensation? - ANSWER- direct and indirect
compensation
What is the role of performance appraisals? - ANSWER- A performance appraisal
(also known as a performance review, performance evaluation, or career
development discussion) is a method by which an employee's job performance is
evaluated.
How does HRM enhance human potential? - ANSWER- HRM field has seen a
substantial interest in both formal and informal training and development.
HRM's work on improving the workplace environment focuses on what two
environments? - ANSWER- implementing productivity improvement programs as
well as improving health and safety at work
What must management be aware of in order to maintain effective work
relationships? - ANSWER- After an organization has hired the employees it
needs, it must foster a positive workplace environment. In addition to
,compensation and a healthy and safe environment, firms must provide conditions
that will make it attractive for employees to stay.
What impact has globalization had on HR practices? - ANSWER- organizations
become more global, it is essential that organizations develop and implement
HRM policies with international applicability, also making them relevant to
employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds
What are the four implicit HR objectives? - ANSWER- improve productivity,
improve quality of work life,ensure legal compliance, and foster ethical behavior.
How can HR managers make a significant contribution toward productivity
improvements? - ANSWER- work organization and design
How do organizations improve the quality of work life? How have employees'
attitudes regarding involvement with their work shifted? - ANSWER- most
employees today desire more autonomy and a chance to make a greater
contribution to the organization. employees today prefer a greater level of
involvement with their work
Why is it important that HR mangers and personnel be familiar with the laws and
regulations? - ANSWER- laws impact nearly all functions and activities with
which HRM is involved, HR managers and personnel must be familiar with
regulations affecting hiring and pay decisions, promotion activities, health and
safety considerations, and labor relations.
Define the term "moral philosophy." - ANSWER- refers to the principles, rules,
and values that individuals use in deciding what is right or wrong.
How can HR professionals create a culture where ethical behavior is
encouraged? - ANSWER- "creating a positive work environment, hiring ethical
individuals, providing ethical training, labeling and modeling ethical behavior,
creating a well-defined code of ethics, establishing an open-door policy, and
providing an employee assistance program (EAP)."
Define the term "business ethics." - ANSWER- the values and principles that are
used to evaluate whether the collective behavior of members of an organization is
appropriate
What are the six major trends have been identified as influencing the work
environment? - ANSWER- increased competition, the costs and benefits
, associated with HR utilization, productivity changes (resulting from changes in
technology, capital investment, the 2008-2014 recession, capital utilization,
outsourcing, and government policies), the increasing pace and complexity of
social, cultural, legal, demographic, and educational changes, the symptoms of
dysfunction in the workplace, and societal trends of the 21st century
Internal Environment: Define "culture" and identify who shapes an organization's
culture. - ANSWER- represents the organization's value system. Top management
shapes a companies culture
Internal Environment: Define technology. - ANSWER- generally refers to the
equipment and knowledge used to produce goods and services, and the
definition of technology may vary greatly by industry
Internal Environment: How does technology influence an organization's
structure? - ANSWER- with technology and computers, close supervision of
employees is unnecessary. Furthermore, technology allows work to be performed
during non-traditional hours, away from physical manufacturing plants and
offices. With technology we can see a reduction in the work force.
Internal Environment: Organizational size is an important factor in determining
________________. - ANSWER- HR activities
External Environment: How does the economy influence HR activities? -
ANSWER- A strong economy tends to decrease unemployment, increase wages,
make recruitment more competitive, and increase the desirability of training. On
the other hand, a weak economy tends to increase unemployment, diminish wage
demands, make recruitment less competitive, and reduce the need for training
and development of current employees.
External Environment: How does international competition influence HR
activities? - ANSWER- Corporations forced to be more competitive, HR policies
and practices change significantly
Define the term "SWOT". - ANSWER- SWOT is an acronym that stands for
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
What is the purpose of a SWOT analysis? - ANSWER- Used to establish a level of
understanding needed for a successful plan
