82) Formal performance appraisals are used more frequently in countries that ________.
A) value status quo and rigidity
B) are low in assertiveness
C) are low in uncertainty avoidance
D) are low in in-group collectivism
E) have long-term orientation
83) Performance evaluations identify training and development needs.
84) The critical incidents method of performance evaluation focuses the evaluator’s attention on
the difference between executing a job effectively and executing it ineffectively.
85) Graphic rating scales are less time consuming to develop and administer and allow for
quantitative analysis and comparison.
86) The group order ranking method of performance evaluation combines major elements from
the critical incident and graphic rating scale approaches.
87) Due process systems provide individuals with adequate notice of what is expected of them.
88) The performance review should be designed more as a counseling activity than as a
judgment process.
89) What are the three major types of behavior that constitute performance at work?
90) What purposes do performance evaluations serve in organizations?
91) What are the three most popular sets of criteria for evaluating employee performance?
92) Describe and discuss the use of written essays as a means of performance evaluation.
93) Describe and discuss the critical incidents method of performance evaluation.
94) Describe and discuss the two most popular forced comparison methods of performance
evaluation.
95) Provide some suggestions for improving performance evaluations.
96) Sophia is a valued employee in your department. She is positive and dependable but lacks
ambition and has stagnated in her position this year. She also is consistently late on deadlines,
although the work she turns in is usually flawless. Choose one of the performance evaluation
methods discussed in the chapter and use it to evaluate the three most popular sets of criteria for
Sophia. Explain why your evaluation method is strong or weak and how it could be improved.
97) Which of the following is not an ideal feature of a benefit program?
A) It should be uniquely suited to the organizational culture.
B) It should be sustainable in the long run.
C) It should clearly outline expectations for conduct.
D) It should reflect the values of the organization.
E) It should demonstrate economic feasibility.
98) Work-life conflicts became noticeable in the 1980s when ________.
A) the rate of inflation started increasing
B) baby boomers’ parents began to age
C) men started giving more importance to family time
D) workloads became historically heavier
E) women, with dependent children, started entering the workforce
99) Which of the following statements regarding downsizing is true?
A) Organizations that are able to demonstrate fairness are more likely to make the hoped-for
gains from downsizing.
B) Employees who have been laid off almost always feel badly about their previous employer.
C) Employees who have been laid off are unlikely to return to the company if asked.
D) It is generally in the best interests of the employee to challenge the decision.
E) The initial screening process can be considered a failure.
100) Which of the following is one of the techniques used by organizations to make their
workplace more family-friendly?
A) telecommuting
B) job enlargement
C) classroom training
D) mentoring program
E) job rotation
101) Ozu Tech offers employees four unpaid weeks sabbatical, or three to six partially paid
weeks off for family-related reasons. This work-life initiative offered by Ozu Tech is a type of
________.
A) time based strategy
B) information based strategy
C) money-based strategy
D) direct service
E) culture-change strategy
102) Biozone provides its employees career counseling, skills workshops, and networking
sessions. This work-life initiative used by Biozone falls under the category of ________.
A) direct services
B) time based strategies
C) information based strategies
D) money-based strategies
E) culture-change strategies
103) Which of the following work-life initiatives is an example of a culture-change strategy?
A) offering flexible benefits
B) tying manager pay to employee satisfaction
C) allowing job sharing
D) providing fitness center
E) providing counseling services
104) Which of the following work-life initiatives is a direct service?
A) elder care resources
B) adoption assistance
C) job sharing
D) direct financial assistance
E) onsite child care
105) The government passes a new law requiring all companies to offer employees unpaid time
off to care for their children. This would harm the economic competitiveness of the nation’s
businesses as companies must be free to set their own employment policies without mandated
parental-leave regulations. Which of the following, if true, would weaken the argument?
A) A parental-leave law will serve to strengthen the family as a social institution in this country.
B) Most businesses in the country already offer employees some form of parental leave.
C) Some of the countries with the most economically competitive businesses have strong
parental-leave regulations.
D) The proposed parental-leave law does not apply to small-scale industries.
E) In most polls, a majority of citizens say they favor passage of a parental-leave law.
106) When employees can see a clear explanation of the HR philosophy and system as an
employer’s expression of concern, then the positive feelings that result have been shown to
increase commitment, retention, and engagement.
107) Workaholism is the tendency to think constantly about work off the job and to feel
compelled to work excessive hours.
108) Employees who think HR practices are established to improve performance and benefit
workers reciprocate these feelings with greater commitment and performance.
109) Communication is the bridge for HR to demonstrate fairness intentions.
110) Discuss the problems underlying the work-life conflict and explain some of the techniques
that an organization can use to help employees achieve the work-life balance.