Q&A Hero

Q: What is the first step in the MBO method of performance appraisal? A) setting the organization's goals B) setting departmental goals C) conducting employee reviews D) defining expected results

Q: It is most important that supervisors who choose management by objectives as a performance appraisal tool use ________. A) BARS-based techniques B) graphic rating scales C) SMART goals D) EPM systems

Q: Which of the following terms refers to setting specific measurable goals with each employee and then periodically reviewing the progress made? A) behaviorally anchored rating scale B) management by objectives C) narrative form technique D) forced distribution

Q: Wilson Consulting is a management consulting firm with seventy employees. As associate vice president of marketing, Suzanne Boyle is responsible for conducting performance appraisals of the twelve employees under her direct supervision. Suzanne plans to use the behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS) to evaluate the performance of her subordinates. Which of the following, if true, supports the argument that BARS is the most appropriate performance appraisal tool for Suzanne to use? A) Wilson Consulting provides training to all supervisors regarding legally defensible performance appraisals. B) Suzanne provides her subordinates with upward feedback as a way to illustrate the ratings she assigns to each employee. C) Wilson Consulting recently installed an electronic performance monitoring system to help supervisors conduct appraisals. D) Suzanne wants to provide her subordinates with specific examples of their good and poor job performance during the appraisal interview.

Q: Which of the following best describes a behaviorally anchored rating scale? A) chart of paired subordinates ranked in order of performance B) combination of narrative critical incidents and quantified performance scales C) predetermined percentages of subordinates in various performance categories D) list of subordinates from highest to lowest based on specific performance traits

Q: Which appraisal method combines the benefits of narratives, critical incidents, and quantified scales by assigning scale points with specific examples of good or poor performance? A) behaviorally anchored rating scale B) graphic rating scale C) alternation ranking D) forced distribution

Q: Wilson Consulting is a management consulting firm with seventy employees. As associate vice president of marketing, Suzanne Boyle is responsible for conducting performance appraisals of the twelve employees under her direct supervision. Suzanne plans to use the critical incident method to evaluate the performance of her subordinates. Which of the following, if true, undermines the argument that the critical incident method is the most appropriate performance appraisal tool for Suzanne to use? A) Other departments at Wilson Consulting have seen employee performance improve as a result of providing ongoing evaluations. B) Due to economic difficulties, the firm will be laying off the two lowest-performing employees in Suzanne's department. C) Employee performance standards are closely aligned with Wilson Consulting's long-term strategic plans. D) Suzanne will be conducting performance appraisals in conjunction with the HR manager to ensure EEO compliance.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the critical incident method for performance appraisal? A) providing examples of excellent work performance B) comparing and ranking employees within a group C) connecting specific incidents with performance goals D) compiling examples of ineffective work performance

Q: Which performance appraisal tool involves a supervisor maintaining a log of positive and negative examples of a subordinate's work-related behavior? A) alternation ranking B) constant sums rating C) narrative forms D) critical incident

Q: Which of the following is LEAST likely to protect employers against bias claims stemming from the use of the forced distribution method? A) appointing a committee to review low rankings B) basing scores on industry standards C) training raters to be objective D) using multiple raters

Q: Which of the following is one of the primary complaints regarding the use of the forced distribution method for performance appraisals? A) harm to employee morale B) high cost of administration C) standardization of group sizes D) time consuming to administer

Q: John, the supervisor of the manufacturing department, is in the process of evaluating his staff's performance. He has determined that 15% of the group will be identified as high performers, 20% as above-average performers, 30% as average performers, 20% as below-average performers, and 15% as poor performers. John is using a ________ method. A) graphic rating scale B) constant sum ranking scale C) forced distribution D) alternation ranking

Q: Which performance appraisal tool is being used by a supervisor who places predetermined percentages of rates into various performance categories? A) graphic ranking scale B) alternation ranking C) forced distribution D) paired comparison

Q: Suppose you have five employees to rate. You make a chart of all possible pairs of employees for each trait being evaluated. Then, you indicate the better employee of the pair for each pair. Finally, you add up the number of positives for each employee. In this case, you have used the ________ method of performance appraisal. A) graphic ranking scale B) alternation ranking C) paired comparison D) forced distribution

Q: Which performance appraisal method involves distinguishing between the worst and best employees based on a trait or traits? A) alternation ranking B) graphic rating scale C) forced distribution D) constant sum rating scale

Q: What role does evaluation play in the training and development process? What training outcomes are typically measured?

Q: With a controlled experiment, it is possible for researchers to assess the extent to which any change in performance in the training group resulted from the training program or from organization-wide changes.

Q: Which of the following is most likely NOT measured when evaluating a training program? A) overall organizational productivity B) participants' reactions to the program C) what trainees learned from the program D) achievement of training objectives

Q: In a brief essay, discuss the theory behind Kurt Lewin's model of change. According to Lewin, what is the process that should be followed to implement organizational change?

Q: Sensitivity training seeks to increase participants' insight into their own behavior and the behavior of others by encouraging an open expression of feelings in a trainer guided t-group.

Q: During the refreezing stage of Lewin's change process, managers are likely to use new appraisal systems and incentives as a way to reinforce desired behaviors.

Q: Lewin's change process consists of unfreezing, moving, and refreezing.

Q: According to Kurt Lewin, which of the following should occur in the moving stage of organizational change? A) presenting a problem B) developing new values C) establishing new incentives D) recognizing the need for change

Q: According to Kurt Lewin, in order for a change to occur, which stage must occur first? A) unfreezing B) moving C) refreezing D) shifting

Q: Gathering data about the organization and its operations and attitudes, with an eye toward solving a particular problem, is known as ________. A) action research B) progressive research C) proactive research D) team building research

Q: The basic aim of ________ is to increase the participant's insight into his or her own behavior and the behavior of others by encouraging an open expression of feelings in a trainer-guided group. A) sensitivity training B) action research C) group therapy D) coaching

Q: ________ is a special approach to organizational change in which the employees formulate the change that's required and implement it. A) Managerial development B) Action research C) Succession planning D) Organizational development

Q: What guidelines should a firm consider when designing a management development program? How can firms measure the effectiveness of such programs?

Q: What is management development? What is organizational development? What methods are used for each?

Q: Management development is a special approach to organizational change in which the employees themselves formulate the change that is required and implement it.

Q: Management games are considered an effective training tool because trainees are actively involved, and the activities help trainees focus on planning and solving problems.

Q: The case study method is an on-the-job management development technique that presents a manager with a written description of an organizational problem that needs to be diagnosed and solved.

Q: All of the following are characteristics of in-house development centers EXCEPT ________. A) utilizing technology to support learning B) evaluating learning and performance C) aligning with corporate strategic goals D) partnering with other firms

Q: Over the last six months, Leslie, a management trainee at Federal Express, has spent time working in the shipping, accounting, and marketing departments. Leslie is most likely engaged in ________. A) management games B) action learning C) job rotation D) role playing

Q: Which training method divides trainees into six-person companies that compete with other companies in a simulated marketplace? A) improvisation B) management games C) case study D) action learning

Q: Marcos is a management trainee at Global Enterprises who is involved in a management development program. As part of the program, Marcos has been given a description of an organizational problem and has been instructed to analyze the situation, diagnose the problem, and present his findings to a group of other trainees. Which of the following is most likely being used at Global Enterprises? A) coaching method B) action learning C) case study method D) management games

Q: Eric is in a group with five other management trainees at Coca-Cola. Eric's group is competing against other management trainees at the firm in a simulated marketplace. Each group must decide how much to spend on advertising and how many products to manufacture over the next 3 years. In which of the following activities is Eric most likely participating? A) management games B) on-demand learning C) vestibule training D) action learning

Q: Which of the following enables management trainees to work full-time analyzing and solving problems in other departments? A) role playing B) action learning C) job rotation D) behavior modeling

Q: Any attempt to improve managerial performance by imparting knowledge, changing attitudes, or increasing skills is called ________. A) on-the-job training B) management by objectives C) performance improvement programs D) management development

Q: Which of the following is a managerial on-the-job training method that involves educating, instructing, and training subordinates? A) behavior modeling B) role playing C) simulating D) coaching

Q: Jack hopes to be promoted to head of his department next year. In the meantime, he has been assigned to spend a year as assistant to the current department head. This is an example of the ________ form of training. A) job rotation B) job instruction C) coaching D) informal learning

Q: According to research, less than 35% of trainees are transferring what they learn to their jobs. As a manager, how would you improve this statistic?

Q: What is on-the-job training? What types of on-the-job training methods are most frequently used by employers? Why?

Q: Since the ability to work with a team is a natural skill, few firms provide teamwork training programs to employees.

Q: Functional illiteracy was once a serious issue in the workforce, but improvements in educational testing have virtually eliminated the problem.

Q: Lifelong learning programs focus primarily on helping employees acquire post-graduate degrees in highly technical fields of study.

Q: Vestibule training combines the benefits of on- and off-the-job training with reduced costs and increased safety.

Q: Providing learning content on demand through cell phones and laptops is known as mobile learning.

Q: Evidence suggests that Web-based instruction is significantly more effective than classroom instruction for teaching information about how to perform a job-related task.

Q: Apprenticeship training is a step-by-step, self-learning method which uses a textbook, computer, or the Internet.

Q: According to the text, which of the following is most likely the cause of a "won't-do" problem? A) lack of managerial instruction B) inadequate reward system C) insufficient supplies D) poor training

Q: Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a goal of diversity training? A) enhancing cross-cultural sensitivity B) fostering harmonious working relationships C) improving interpersonal communication skills D) establishing relationships with outsourced workers

Q: Which of the following terms refers to delivering learning content via laptops and cell phones when needed? A) mobile learning B) individualized learning C) demand-driven learning D) computer-based learning

Q: Which of the following enables employers to schedule, deliver, and manage online training? A) virtual classrooms B) qualification inventories C) transaction processing systems D) learning management systems

Q: In which of the following settings would mobile learning be most appropriate? A) giving a salesperson an update on inventory B) helping an HR manager handle an angry worker C) showing a mechanical engineer numerous schematics D) providing a marketing manager with multiple spreadsheets

Q: Managers at Southwest Communications have decided that their employees would benefit from training. In the past, the firm has used classroom instructors to train workers. However, the firm has a tight budget and is considering the idea of using Web-based instruction to train employees. What research findings support the decision by Southwest Communications to use Web-based instruction? A) Trainees are more satisfied with Web-based instruction than classroom instruction. B) Web-based instruction teaches how to perform tasks better than classroom instruction. C) Trainees are better able to control pace and content with classroom instruction. D) Web-based instruction teaches the memory of facts better than classroom instruction.

Q: All of the following are primary benefits associated with virtual classrooms EXCEPT ________. A) assessing the skills of management trainees B) communicating with other remote learners C) building communities through user profiles and live video D) learning with collaborative software on personal computers

Q: Which of the following is a section of an employer's website that offers employees online access to training courses? A) vestibule B) learning portal C) videoconference D) virtual classroom

Q: According to surveys, which of the following is NOT considered a type of simulated learning? A) virtual reality games B) monthly job rotations C) step-by-step animated guides D) software with screenshots and interactive prompts

Q: Which of the following is an example of computer-based training? A) participating in computerized simulations B) conducting a computerized performance analysis C) enrolling for a course through a learning portal D) simultaneously communicating with global employees

Q: ________ allows trainees to use a computer-based system to interactively increase their knowledge and skills. A) Computer-based training B) Point-to-point training C) Videoconferencing D) Telelearning

Q: Which of the following allows people in one location to communicate live with people in another location? A) videoconferencing B) virtual reality games C) learning portals D) computer-based training

Q: Which of the following is NOT one of the procedures associated with behavioral modeling? A) transfer of training B) role playing C) social reinforcement D) task analysis

Q: Bob demonstrates to trainees how to handle angry customers who call the firm's help line. Each trainee is then assigned a role to play in a simulated telephone conversation to help the trainees practice the proper communication skills. Which training technique is Bob most likely using? A) behavior modeling B) informal learning C) apprenticeship training D) vestibule training

Q: Pilots train on flight simulators for safety, learning efficiency, and cost savings. This is an example of ________. A) apprenticeship training B) on-the-job training C) vestibule training D) programmed learning

Q: Which of the following occupations most likely does NOT use apprenticeship training to prepare new employees? A) dental assistant B) electrician C) banker D) chef

Q: ________ is a method in which trainees learn on actual or simulated equipment but are trained away from the job. A) Vestibule training B) Apprenticeship training C) Cubicle training D) Job instruction training

Q: Which form of on-the-job training usually involves having a learner study under the tutelage of a master craftsperson? A) job instruction training B) understudy training C) programmed learning D) apprenticeship training

Q: Approximately ________ of what employees learn on the job comes from informal learning. A) 80% B) 60% C) 40% D) 20%

Q: A structured process by which people become skilled workers through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training is called ________. A) job instruction training B) understudy training C) programmed learning D) apprenticeship training

Q: Lara is a mid-level manager at a telemarketing company. She has been given the task of coaching a new employee, so Lara will most likely ________. A) show the new employee the steps of various tasks B) develop a change plan with the new employee C) monitor the new employee's benefits plan D) modify the new employee's workload

Q: Rebekah was hired soon after graduation and assigned to complete a management trainee program. She will move to various jobs each month for a 9-month period of time. Her employer is utilizing the ________ form of training. A) job rotation B) understudy C) coaching D) special assignments

Q: On-the-job training can be accomplished through the use of all of the following techniques EXCEPT ________. A) coaching B) role playing C) observation D) job rotation

Q: Which of the following training methods is experienced by almost all employees? A) on-the-job training B) apprenticeship training C) informal learning D) vestibule training

Q: ________ means having a person learn a job by actually doing it. A) Simulated learning B) On-the-job training C) Social learning D) Behavior modeling

Q: What steps can be taken during training programs to motivate trainees to learn? How can learning be reinforced during a training program?

Q: In a brief essay, discuss how firms utilize advancements in technology to train their employees and to develop their managers.

Q: What are the main steps involved in the training process? What are two methods used to assess employee training needs?

Q: Attitude surveys, employee diaries, tests, and performance appraisals are tools for conducting a performance analysis.

Q: A task analysis is typically conducted to identify the training needs of current employees, while a performance analysis is limited to newly hired employees.