Course 4 - Module 3 Final Examination with Questions and Answers Latest Update 2024, Exams of Humanities

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Course 4 - Module 3 Final Examination with Questions and

Answers Latest Update 2024

According to the introduction to the text, the ultimate purpose of human resources is to find ways to make ______________________ for employees and to ______________________ of public institutions as a whole. - Correct Answer life better enhance performance In Chapter 1--What three things in combination are needed for government to be effective? - Correct Answer Good people good systems good intentions. What seven developments will impact human resource management for the foreseeable future? - Correct Answer 1. Changing workforce

2. Declining confidence in government
3. Declining budgets, leading to increased use of alternative work arrangements
4. Rightsizing and downsizing despite population growth
5. Demands for productivity gains
6. Emerging virtual workplaces and virtual government
7. Decentralization and increased managerial flexibility Human resource management, or HRM, ____________________ a broader focus and has relevance for HR specialist, line managers, and executives. It ______________________ all decisions affecting the relationship between the individual and the organization, with an eye to _______________________ from the view of both. - Correct Answer embraces encompasses optimizing effectiveness In addition to technical operations, human resource management includes which of the following? working to get pay raises for all employees adjusting positions to meet needs ensuring the traditional system is protected working to eliminate merit from hiring decisions - Correct Answer adjusting positions to meet needs The textbook explains the structure and role of human resource departments in organizations. The text also states that the most common placement of an HR department is right under the chief executive officer (i.e the city manager). Where is

the human resources department placed in your municipality? - Correct Answer In the City of Fair Oaks Ranch our HR department reports to the Finance Director. What are the four government reform efforts identified by Paul Light? - Correct Answer 1. Scientific Management - focuses on hierarchy, microdivision of labor specialization and well-defined chains of command.

2. War on Waste - emphasizes economy.
3. Watchful Eye - emphasizes fairness through openness, transparency and access.
4. Liberation Management - goal is higher performance in government. Page 36 of the text states that a managers' ability to complete their tasks successfully depends, in large measure, on their ability to ________________ , _________________, _________________, and ________________ top-quality employees - the essential function of human resource management. - Correct Answer attract develop motivate retain What are nine shortcomings offered by critics of human resource management reform efforts? - Correct Answer 1. The role of public servants (e.g. , privatization, downsizing) is undermined.
5. Results fail to meet expectations (e.g., pay for performance).
6. Too few people with the necessary skills (e.g., contract negotiating and auditing) are attracted to public service.
7. Performance rewards (bonuses) are underfunded.
8. Oversight of the public service (decentralization, deregulation, outsourcing) is reduced, inviting corruption.
9. In-service training for continuous learning and planning is frequently inadequate
10. Pursuit of quick successes via downsizing too often takes precedence over improving performance.
11. Ideas borrowed from the private sector and accepted blindly often create more problems than solutions.
12. Empowerment initiatives frequently have uneven results. Which of the following are principles that human resource managers must adhere to? (choose all the answers that are correct) Understand the values inherent in the career public service. Understand and integrate non-civil service systems as appropriate. Understand that the merit system is an outdated tool in public service Understand that the public has rights beyond merit principles Provide leadership for the workforce - Correct Answer Understand the values inherent in the career public service. Understand and integrate non-civil service systems as appropriate. Understand that the public has rights beyond merit principles

What is one criticism of "at-will" employment? - Correct Answer That many workers need their jobs more than their employers need them, so at-will employment opens the door to abuse. It permits an employer to refuse to hire members of disfavored groups to engage in opportunistic firings, and to punish employees for behaving in socially desirable ways. It also subjects families to uncertainty and hardship based on employers' whims. Employment law attempts to balance employer interests, employee rights, and social objectives in what areas? - Correct Answer 1. Furnishing due process

2. Taking adverse personnel action
3. Safeguarding free speech and political activity Providing compensation and work schedules Protecting health and safety Holding employees individually liable Formal discipline of an employee is referred to as [x]. This term encompasses suspensions, salary reductions, demotions, and terminations. - Correct Answer adverse action True or False. To determine whether an employer may take adverse action, a court asks (1) whether the speech was a matter of public concern and (2) whether the disruptive nature of the speech justifies the adverse personnel action. - Correct Answer True To enforce his or her First Amendment rights, an employee must file an [x] in court. - Correct Answer action True or False. Forfeiture laws in some states allow public employers to withhold pensions from employees for misbehavior. - Correct Answer True [x] is the immunity most officials have from liability for discretionary acts in the scope of their duties if they act in good faith (without malice) and reasonably. - Correct Answer Qualified immunity [x] is based on the theory that because the employer controls the employee's behavior, the employer must assume some responsibility for the employee's actions.

• Correct Answer Respondeat superior What are the "big three" federal antidiscrimination statutes? Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, and the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1974

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Fair Labor Standards Act of 1974, and the Family Support Act of 1988 Correct! Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 - Correct Answer Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1967, and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 After reading about intentional and unintentional discrimination in chapter 2, it is obvious that trying to connect workplace discrimination is laborious. Under the [x ], a government affirmative action program based on race or ethnicity is reviewed using the exacting strict scrutiny standard. It is constitutional only if it is narrowly tailored to further a compelling government interest. - Correct Answer Equal Protection Clause To date, only the goal of [x] has been compelling enough for the Supreme Court to approve a plan. Furthermore, the government adopting the plan must provide convincing proof of its own past discrimination. - Correct Answer remedying past discrimination In Chapter 3--Why is recruitment a pivotal human resource function? - Correct Answer Recruitment is pivotal because if recruitment is done poorly then all subsequent human resource functions will be negatively affected. Recruitment is often weakest because, when done properly, it is a ___________________, __________________ process that busy administrators may try to circumvent. - Correct Answer time-consuming expensive Which of the following is NOT a major element influencing the effectiveness of recruitment? the breadth and quality of the process the effectiveness of the answers asked during the job interview pay and benefits job quality - Correct Answer the effectiveness of the answers asked during the job interview The three stages of the recruitment process are: _____________________ of the position, __________________ of the position announcement, and ________________________ of specific strategies. - Correct Answer planning and approval preparation selection and use

In Chapter 4-- ______________ _____________ _______________ is said to boost internal morale, increase loyalty, reduce training time, and provide recruiting incentives for strong candidates. - Correct Answer Internally based hiring Despite its benefits, internally based hiring reduces full _________________ and the introduction of outside __________________ and _________________.

. - Correct Answer competition skills insights . Today it is important to recognize that human resource management skills are critical generalist competencies for __________________ ________________.. - Correct Answer all managers x] (as opposed to applicant energy level or past performance and experience) ends up being a poor predictor of long-term job success. - Correct Answer Applicant enthusiasm What are the seven possible criteria that can be used to provide the basis for a selection decision? - Correct Answer 1. Electoral Popularity - Selection based on majority vote

2. Social Class - Selection based on who you know
3. Patronage - Selection based on skill but may have allegiances to selector
4. Merit - Selection based on skills
5. Seniority - Selection based on length of time of service (assumes you have additional knowledge) Representativeness - Selection based on location, gender, race, military experience, etc... Character and Job Fit - Selection based beyond skills, but instead personality, conscientiousness, motivation, etc... True or False. The six criteria for the selection of selection methods are: reliability, validity, legality, legibility, acceptability, and determination. - Correct Answer False Which of the following is NOT one of the four phases of screening applicants? Phase 1 that emphasizes discriminating between qualified and unqualified Phase 2 when interview questions are scrutinized for job applicability Phase 3 that results in a single candidate being identified to offer the position to Phase 4 when the qualifications and abilities of the candidate are confirmed after the offer - Correct Answer Phase 2 when interview questions are scrutinized for job applicability

In Chapter 5--The most recent human resource era actually started in the 1990s and continues today with an emphasis on broad employee _________________, more procedural ________________ , more rigorous employee __________________, and technical _________________. - Correct Answer categories flexibility accountability simplification [x] is the specification of job features, primarily the duties, the quantity of work expected, and the level of responsibility. - Correct Answer Job design [x] encompasses a systematic process of collecting data for determining the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to perform a job successfully. - Correct Answer Job analysis [x] systems can provide the foundation for job design and support, as well as the basis for management, tracking, and control of employment numbers, costs, and position levels. - Correct Answer Position classification Which of the following is NOT one of the methods of privatization that are most important to position management? Restricting funds to selected agencies Contracting out Discontinuing the good or service that was provided by the public sector Moving government agencies to the private or quasi-private sector - Correct Answer Discontinuing the good or service that was provided by the public sector In Chapter 6--Human resources should be doubly concerned with employee engagement, which is a key to performance - engaged workers are more _________________, __________________ , and ____________________ with achieving outcomes, and they have _________________ _____________________, too. - Correct Answer committed conscientious concerned less turnover What are three main strategies for improving employee engagement? - Correct Answer 1. Selecting the right people

2. Developing employees' strengths
3. Enhancing employees' well-being

________________________ is evaluative information given to employees about their performance or behavior, the ___________________ of which is to influence future performance or behavior. - Correct Answer Feedback purpose In order to positively affect motivation, managers (and co-workers) should provide feedback. Not all feedback is effective. Read the eight strategies for feedback listed in the text. Tell about a time you gave or received feedback that met ONE of the guidelines. - Correct Answer Provide balanced assessments of employees' performance (including both positive and negative aspects I try to provide a balanced assessment of my employees' performance, including both positive and negative aspects. Happily, my current employee, Amanda Valdez, is a self driven, forward thinking, highly motivated, exceptional employee. There is little in the line of negative aspects. With past employees I would include these negatives in the narrative and phrase them in such a way as to provide guidelines for improvements. In Chapter 7--Compensation in any jurisdiction is a product of what four elements? - Correct Answer 1. Pay philosophy, as informed by law and policy

2. Labor market forces (external competitiveness), as reflected by manipulation of supply and demand
3. Internal consistency based on job evaluation, as tracked by different systems of pay progression
4. Individual considerations, as manifested om various types of pay As stated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, __________________ related to ____________________ should meet these principles: " transparency, equal pay for equal work, no political influence, and the ability to recruit and retain a well-qualified workforce." - Correct Answer policy changes compensation What is the difference between a market and equity adjustment? - Correct Answer Market Adjustment is when a single job or classification is changed based on differences between it and a job or classification in the outside market. Equity Adjustment is when a change is made based on the fact that an incumbent is in a job that is out of alignment with other similar jobs. Which of the following approaches is NOT used to determine individual equity in compensation? Cost of living adjustment Longevity pay Bonuses

"Peter Pan Pay" where one employee receives a pay decrease to compensate another person's increase - Correct Answer "Peter Pan Pay" where one employee receives a pay decrease to compensate another person's increase True or False. For merit pay systems to be successful, certain conditions must be present: trust in management, clear performance factors, meaningful and consistent funding, and frequent pay increases - Correct Answer False Even if conditions exist that contribute to successful merit pay systems, what eight shortcomings could still exist when using merit pay systems? - Correct Answer 1. Focus on the short term at the expense of the long term

2. Encourage mediocrity by setting limits on expectations
3. Reduce creativity and risk taking
4. Promote self-interest above other interests
5. Destroy teamwork by increasing dependence on individual accomplishment
6. Generate counterproductive win-lose competition among employees for merit monies Encourage sycophancy ("do as I say performance pay") Generally politicize the compensation system Skill-based pay systems analyze the job knowledge a competent employee needs to possess and awards higher salary increments as new skills are ___________________, _____________________, and __________________ by results. - Correct Answer learned used demonstrated What are the five criteria that could define an ideal compensation system? - Correct Answer 1. Stakeholder involvement in system design or reevaluation
7. Simplicity in base pay and diversity in benefits
8. Salary progression tied to continuous improvement
9. Job security
10. Market match pay philosophy In Chapter 8--Pro-employee policies are ___________________ (stylish and responsive to trends), _____________________ (adaptable to the unique needs of a diverse workforce), and __________________ (unstable and subject to the fluctuating fortunes of the economy). - Correct Answer fashionable (stylish and responsive to trends), flexible (adaptable to the unique needs of a diverse workforce), fickle (unstable and subject to the fluctuating fortunes of the economy). What five types of programs address work/family conflicts? - Correct Answer 1. Child care

What are the six groups of activities and stages of implementing employee- responsive policies? - Correct Answer 1. Setting of policies and values for the program: task force or advisory committee, values clarification, issue framing, needs and resource assessment, policy formulation and adoption, program management.

2. Identification of options or models: personnel policies, benefit plans, work restructuring, information and referral, parent education and counseling, direct service, career paths, dependent care.
3. Articulation of program objectives: goals, expectations, eligibility, benefits, participation levels, advantages, external factors, planning estimates.
4. Planning for implementation: involvement of key stakeholders, pilot or phased projects, breadth and depth of change, modification of work environments, costs, timetables communication system, building support, overcoming resistance, training.
5. Specification of outcomes and benefits: benefit or cost projections, impact on key indicators, negative side effects.
6. Measurement and evaluation: data sources, tracking of outcomes, employee surveys, focus groups, cost accounting, program evaluation, data analysis and use. True or False. The most at risk employees are those in regular contact with the public and strangers coming into the workplace, those working with unstable or volatile persons, and those in mobile workplaces. - Correct Answer True The bottom of page 332 describes different types of actions a municipality may take to limit hostility at work. Name your city. Which of the measures are in place in you municipality? - Correct Answer City of Fair Oaks Ranch Personnel policies stressing thorough preemployment screening and background checks. Security devices, silent alarms, metal detectors) can be installed and maintained. Electronic surveillance and monitoring systems in the workplace may help employers to detect or correct potentially volatile situations before violent outbreaks occur. In Chapter 9--[x] is the effort to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of employees and managers so that they can better do their jobs. - Correct Answer Training How is learning different from training and development? - Correct Answer Learning is inherent in training and development, the new focus on learning stems from the recognition that participating in training and development activities does not necessarily equate with actual learning, mastering, and application of KSAs that employees need. Whereas Training is the effort to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of employees and managers so that they can better do their jobs.

Development consists of efforts to improve future performance by providing skills to be used in subsequent assignments, increasing staff potential, assisting in succession planning, is tied to strategic organizational development, and ensuring agencies have employees with relevant skills. [x] are organizations that have recognizable processes in place for the ongoing assessment of what they are doing and how they are doing it, and whether and how they might do better. - Correct Answer Learning organizations What are the principles emphasized by adult learning theory? - Correct Answer 1. The extensive experience of adults

2. A preference for active participation, An interest in self-improvement and problem solving, The exercise of some control in learning styles and methods [x] is the drive or energy that compels people to act with energy and persistence toward goals. - Correct Answer Motivation Training and learning are enhanced by feedback that is ___________________, _____________________, and _______________________ (or constructive) in nature. - Correct Answer immediate direct positive (or constructive) in nature. The strategic focus of training and development should include what six components? - Correct Answer 1. Helping existing staff to adapt to new tasks as a result of promotion, restructuring, or other reassignments (performance).
3. Assisting new employees to get up-to-date on the unique procedures, equipment, or standards of the organization (performance and risk management).
4. Confirming that employees are kept abreast of new laws, procedures, or knowledge pertinent to the organization, the environment, or their jobs (risk management).
5. Ensuring that personnel in jobs critical to the organization's performance - and that have high costs of failure - perform in satisfactory ways (risk management). Using T&D as a tool to ensure that desirable employees and managers stay current and develop themselves for future roles, and hence stay committed to the organization (retention of human capital, talent management). Ensuring that all employees have KSAs that are consistent with what they need to help the organization move forward (planning). Which is NOT an approach to training and development discussed in the text? On-the-job training Web-based learning Meet and greet with colleagues

The three groups of approaches to evaluation methods are: ____________________, ___________________, and ____________________ systems. - Correct Answer trait-based behavior-based results-based [x] appraisals require assessments concerning the degree to which someone possesses certain desired personal characteristics deemed important for the job. - Correct Answer Trait-based Multirater systems, or [x]—those that gather information from superiors, subordinates, peers, and citizens—by definition provide more data than other approaches. - Correct Answer 360 degree evaluation systems Rating errors primary cause: ________________________, _______________________, __________________________, and ________________________. - Correct Answer cognitive limitations intentional manipulation organizational influences human nature What should a supervisor do before an appraisal interview and during the session? - Correct Answer Before the interview, the supervisor should communicate frequently with the subordinate, get training in appraisal interviewing, and use a problem-solving approach. During the session, the superior should share judgements of specific performance (not personality), be an active listener, avoid destructive criticism, and work with the employee to set mutually agreeable future objectives. An important purpose of this human resource management function is to retain [x]. - Correct Answer good workers True or False. Employee discipline and discharge can be excruciating because administrators do not want to spend any more valuable time dealing with poor performers than they already do. - Correct Answer True What are the seven "Douglas factors" incorporated into discipline regulation? - Correct Answer 1. The nature of the offense

2. The employee's job, past work record and previous disciplinary actions

3. The effect of the offense on the employee's ability to perform at a satisfactory level
4. The consistency of the penalty with those imposed on other employees for similar offenses
5. The clarity with which the employee was on notice of any rules that were violated in committing the offense
6. The individual's potential for rehabilitation The adequacy of alternative sanctions In Chapter 11 which of the following is NOT a factor identified by the AFL-CIO that reduces the chances for union organizing? Employee pride in their work High Pay Good supervisor-subordinate relations Agency records of good employee performance - Correct Answer High Pay In Chapter 11 which of the following is NOT a factor identified by the AFL-CIO that reduces the chances for union organizing? Employee pride in their work High Pay Good supervisor-subordinate relations Agency records of good employee performance - Correct Answer High Pay Reframing is helpful any time there is cause for confronting differing opinions (not just during formal collective bargaining). Read through the information on page 470 and Exhibit 12.3 on page 471. Tell how reframing may help address a problem in your city. - Correct Answer The City of Fair Oaks Ranch has a situation where city staff has been developing plans to build a elevated water storage tank. This will help with pressure issues between several of our water plants and improve fire suppression capabilities in the north end of the city. Some residents near the proposed location have teamed together in opposition due to the fact that they don't want a water tower visible from their back yard. They've verbalized concerns that not only will it be an eyesore, but that it could possibly negatively effect their property values. Discussions thus far have led to "stalemates". It appears that coming together and "reframing the problem with an opponent-turned-partner" might create dialogue that could lead to alternate solutions as hostilities and mistrust from both sides of the aisle have prevented progress. David Denholm posits that public interest in public employment (and collective bargaining) includes what four ideas? - Correct Answer 1. Maintaining a peaceful, stable employer-employee relationship
7. Safeguarding the rights of all public employees

3. Role clarity and resource adequacy
4. Supportive coworkers who are (also) committed to doing high-quality work
5. Having the opportunity to do what one does best
6. Having opportunities to learn and grow
7. Alignment, support, and belief in the mission or purpose of one's work Having a voice

8 strategies for feedback: - Correct Answer 1. Provide balanced assessments of employees' performance (include both positive and negative aspects)

2. Emphasize the objective nature of service outcomes (although some facts are indisputable)
3. Establish their commitment to helping subordinates achieve positive results
4. Work collaboratively with employees to develop strategies for improving performance (without imposing solutions)
5. Help employees develop the perspective that they have the power to affect conditions for success.
6. Agree with employees on timetables for monitoring improvement
7. Provide employees with strategies for obtaining support and feedback
8. Offer employees future rewards for improvement

Actions a municipality can take to limit hostility at work: - Correct Answer 1. Personnel policies stressing thorough preemployment screening and background checks to help reduce the likelihood of hiring individuals who have the potential to commit violent acts at work.

2. Organizations can forge cooperative relationships with law enforcement officials to help inform workers on ways to prevent and avoid workplace violence.
3. Security procedures can be reviewed and updated
4. Security devices (silent alarms, metal detectors) can be installed and maintained
5. Use of electronic surveillance and monitoring system in the workplace may help employers t o detect or correct potentially volatile situations before violent outbreaks occur
6. Management can develop threat plans offering guidance on how to respond to work-place threats, as well as post-incident plans to be implemented in the aftermath of violent events (debriefing, grief counseling)

5 factors identified by the AFL-CIO that reduce the chances for union organizing: - Correct Answer 1. Bosses not taking advantage of employees

2. Employee pride in their work
3. Agency records of good employee performance
4. Avoidance of favoritism and high-handed treatment
5. Good supervisor-subordinate relations

Negotiation skills - Reframing: - Correct Answer 1. Ask problem-solving questions

6 criteria for the selection of selection methods are: - Correct Answer 1. reliability 2, validity

3. legality
4. acceptability
5. efficiency
6. effectiveness