Free WGU Managing-Human-Capital Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

Definition of Staffing:Staffing encompasses a series of activities aimed at ensuring the organization has the right people in the right jobs at the right time.

Components:

Planning:Assessing current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals.

Acquiring:Recruiting and selecting candidates who fit the organizational culture and job requirements.

Deploying:Placing employees in roles where they can be most effective.

Retaining:Implementing strategies to keep talented employees engaged and committed to the organization.

Importance:Effective staffing ensures that the organization has the human capital necessary to achieve its objectives and maintain a competitive edge.

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.

The learning level of Kirkpatrick's training evaluation model measures the degree to which participants have acquired the intended knowledge, skills, and attitudes based on their participation in the training. A survey is an effective tool at this level as it can assess participants' perceptions of their learning and gather feedback on the training's content and delivery. Surveys can be designed to include specific questions related to the learning objectives and can provide quantitative data on the effectiveness of the training.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Evaluating Training Programs: The Four Levels" by Donald Kirkpatrick and James Kirkpatrick

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on training evaluation

The primary purpose of progressive discipline is to address performance issues by making employees aware of problems in a structured manner, starting with the least severe actions. The goal is to provide employees with opportunities to correct their behavior before more severe measures are taken. This approach helps to maintain a fair and supportive work environment while ensuring that employees understand the consequences of continued poor performance. Progressive discipline typically involves a series of steps, such as verbal warnings, written warnings, and, if necessary, termination.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Progressive Discipline Handbook" by Paul Falcone

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on progressive discipline

The main reason for the failure of mergers and acquisitions is often a culture mismatch between the merging organizations. When two companies with different corporate cultures come together, clashes can occur if their values, beliefs, and ways of doing business do not align. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of cohesion, ultimately hindering the integration process and reducing the chances of a successful merger or acquisition.

"Mergers and Acquisitions: Managing Culture and Human Resources" by Mark E. Mendenhall and Gary R. Oddou

McKinsey & Company articles on mergers and acquisitions

Unionized workers typically enjoy more secure benefits compared to nonunionized workers, with guaranteed pensions being one of the most secure. Unions negotiate defined benefit pension plans that promise a specified monthly benefit at retirement, which is often based on factors such as salary history and years of service. These plans provide financial security for employees upon retirement and are less common in nonunionized workplaces, where defined contribution plans like 401(k)s are more prevalent.

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.

Pay-for-performance plans link employee compensation directly to individual or organizational performance outcomes. According toHuman Resource Management, 16th Editionby Gary Dessler, a key advantage of pay-for-performance systems is that they serve as apositive reinforcement method, encouraging employees to perform at higher levels by rewarding desired behaviors and results.

Dessler explains that when employees clearly understand that superior performance leads to tangible rewards such as bonuses, incentives, or merit pay, they are more likely to align their efforts with organizational goals. This reinforcement strengthens the connection between effort and reward, increasing motivation and accountability.

Pay-for-performance does not primarily focus on tenure or knowledge alone, nor does it rely on intrinsic motivation, which comes from internal satisfaction rather than external rewards. Instead, it leverages extrinsic rewards to motivate performance improvements. Therefore, the primary advantage highlighted in human capital management literature is its role as apositive reinforcement mechanism.

Source:

Gary Dessler,Human Resource Management, 16th Edition, Chapter on Incentive Pay and Employee Motivation

Sourcing and recruiting are two distinct but interrelated steps in the hiring process. Sourcing involves identifying and attracting potential candidates who have the skills and qualifications necessary to meet the organization's staffing needs. This process can include searching for candidates through various channels such as job boards, social media, networking events, and employee referrals. Once a pool of potential candidates is identified, the recruiting process begins. Recruiting involves engaging with these candidates, assessing their suitability for the role, and encouraging them to apply for the open positions. This includes activities such as conducting interviews, evaluating applications, and managing the offer process. By differentiating between sourcing and recruiting, organizations can streamline their hiring processes and ensure they attract and hire the best possible talent.

References

Phillips, J. M., & Gully, S. M. (2015). "Strategic Staffing." Pearson Education.

SHRM. "Sourcing Candidates."

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 also covers situations where genetic information is inadvertently obtained, such as through social media. It prohibits employers from using genetic information in making employment decisions, including hiring, firing, job assignments, and promotions. The hiring manager's decision not to hire the applicant based on a social media post about a family member's diagnosis with Parkinson's disease constitutes a violation of GINA.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website