Free WGU Managing-Human-Capital Practice Exam with Questions & Answers

Person-organization fit refers to the compatibility between an employee and the organization in terms of values, beliefs, and culture. An employee who demonstrates a strong person-organization fit shows deep commitment to the organization, aligning their personal values with the company’s mission and culture. This commitment often leads to higher job satisfaction, better performance, and lower turnover rates.

References:

"Organizational Behavior" by Stephen P. Robbins and Timothy A. Judge

Articles on person-organization fit from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

A pay-for-performance plan is advantageous because it provides a method of positive reinforcement, which directly links an employee’s compensation to their performance. This system incentivizes employees to achieve high performance by rewarding them with financial bonuses or raises based on their achievements. Positive reinforcement encourages desirable behaviors and high productivity, aligning individual performance with organizational goals.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Pay for Performance: Evaluating Performance Appraisal and Merit Pay" by George T. Milkovich and Alexandra K. Wigdor

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on pay-for-performance plans

Internal recruiting involves filling job vacancies with current employees from within the organization. One significant benefit of this approach is that it enhances employee engagement and morale. When employees see that the organization values their growth and offers opportunities for advancement, they are more likely to be motivated, committed, and loyal. This practice also reduces the time and cost associated with onboarding and training new hires, as internal candidates are already familiar with the company's culture and processes.References:

Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management. Pearson.

Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M. (2019). Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage. McGraw-Hill Education.

Performance metrics are quantitative measures used to assess how well employees are fulfilling their job duties. They provide specific details on various aspects of job performance, such as productivity, quality, efficiency, and adherence to deadlines. By tracking these metrics, managers can identify areas where employees excel and where they may need additional support or training. Performance metrics help in setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and aligning employee performance with organizational goals. They are essential for implementing organizational action plans as they ensure that employees' behaviors and outcomes are aligned with the desired objectives.References

Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (1996). "The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action." Harvard Business Review Press.

Armstrong, M. (2021). "Armstrong's Handbook of Performance Management: An Evidence-Based Guide to Delivering High Performance." Kogan Page.

Mandatory benefits are those that employers are legally required to provide to employees. These benefits typically include social security, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation, and in some regions, health insurance. The purpose of mandatory benefits is to ensure a basic level of security and protection for all employees, safeguarding their financial and physical well-being.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Employee Benefits" by Joseph J. Martocchio

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on mandatory benefits

A customary benefit refers to benefits that are traditionally offered by employers, though not legally required. Retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans or pension plans, are common examples of customary benefits. These plans provide financial security for employees in their post-working years and are often used by employers to attract and retain talent by offering long-term financial planning options.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Employee Benefits" by Joseph J. Martocchio

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on customary benefits

Inclusion in the workplace refers to creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and have equal access to opportunities and resources. An inclusive scenario is one where team members collaborate, and everyone's ideas and contributions are considered. This encourages a sense of belonging and leverages the diverse perspectives of the entire team, leading to enhanced innovation and team performance. The given example demonstrates this by showing a department where collaboration and open sharing of ideas are practiced.References:

Roberson, Q. M. (2006). Disentangling the meanings of diversity and inclusion in organizations. Group & Organization Management.

Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management. Pearson.

The development of training content and delivery methods is guided by clearly defined learning objectives. Learning objectives specify what employees are expected to learn and achieve by the end of the training program. They provide a clear direction for designing the training materials, selecting appropriate instructional methods, and evaluating the effectiveness of the training. By aligning training content with specific learning objectives, organizations ensure that the training is relevant, targeted, and effective in meeting both employee and organizational needs.References:

Noe, R. A. (2020). Employee Training and Development. McGraw-Hill Education.

Blanchard, P. N., & Thacker, J. W. (2013). Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices. Pearson.

Psychological contracts in the workplace refer to the unspoken, informal agreements and mutual expectations between employees and employers. These contracts encompass beliefs about the reciprocal obligations between both parties, such as job security, advancement opportunities, and support from the employer, while employees are expected to demonstrate loyalty, productivity, and commitment. Psychological contracts are critical because they influence employee behavior, satisfaction, and engagement. Violations of these unwritten expectations can lead to decreased trust, job dissatisfaction, and increased turnover.References:

Rousseau, D. M. (1995). Psychological Contracts in Organizations: Understanding Written and Unwritten Agreements. Sage Publications.

Armstrong, M., & Taylor, S. (2020). Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. Kogan Page.

Job design is the process of organizing tasks, duties, and responsibilities into a productive unit of work. By creating positions that align with employees' needs and talents, job design can significantly benefit an organization. This approach not only helps in achieving organizational goals by ensuring that work is done efficiently and effectively but also motivates employees by recognizing their individual strengths and preferences. Motivated employees tend to be more engaged, productive, and satisfied with their jobs, which in turn leads to higher retention rates and better overall organizational performance. Effective job design considers various factors such as job enrichment, job enlargement, job rotation, and the use of teams to create a fulfilling work environment.References

Hackman, J. R., & Oldham, G. R. (1976). "Motivation through the Design of Work: Test of a Theory." Organizational Behavior and Human Performance.

Armstrong, M. (2021). "Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice." Kogan Page.