dec '21 - practice exam

Question 1

Please explain why managers have an important role in HR Management. (3 points)

Answer 1

All managers = HR managers!

• Ensure that there is no risk of a serious mismatch between needs and resources
• Check feasibility of the strategy in terms of skills
• Help build and defend the HR policy
• Help identify training needs
• Implement training plan
• Focus on employee evolution: feedback, annual appraisals and career evolution coherent with the strategy
• Work together to allow staff to identify realistic paths for progression
• Orient recruitments according to targeted roles: select, onboard, retain etc.
• Help identify skill gaps

Question 2

What are the main
(i) internal and (ii) external
factors that influence HR Management today. (2 points)

Answer 2

Internal factors
* Work organization
* Management evolution
* Will to work in different ways
* Increase in professional stress
* Need for recognition
* Evolution of social relations
* Legal constraints

External factors
* Competition
* Market evolution (prices and products)
* Evolution of the organization
* Evolution of the demands for profitability
* M&A
* Evolution in IT
* Evolution of job market
* Evolution of laws
* Evolution of technology and AI
* Sustainable development
* Lifestyle/workstyle changes
* Health concerns…..

Question 3

Why is talent management an important aspect of HR Management for many companies?
How can companies help ensure the retention and development of talents?
(3 points) (hint: model ARRDRC)

Answer 3

Talent management: Anticipating RISKS

• Portfolio: INSUFFICIENT talent to meet business objectives
• Transition: risk of INADAPTATION in new role
• VACANT roles: risk that the
  leadership strategic roles are vacant
• Inadequacy: risk of having
  incompetent SUCCESSORS

Proposed model for talent management
* Attract
* Recruit
* Retain
* Develop
* Recognize
* Comparing mngt practices

Also : classify talents

Question 4

Briefly describe what an HR strategy is and what it involves. (2 points)

Answer 4

Overallannual plan about:

• Recruitment
• performance appraisals-
• development of competencies
• talent development
• areas of focus
• remuneration (levels and forms)

Based on:
* Analysis of the organization
* Analysis of external environment

Shapes HRM, allocation of resources
(i.e. money, time, personnel)

also? : leads to Strategic Workforce PLanning ?

Question 5

Please advise the pros and cons of using a salary grid to establish remuneration within
an organization. (2 points)

Answer 5

Pros: Fairness & Equity, Transparency, Budgeting, Efficiency

Cons: Rigidity, Limited Motivation, Market Misalignment, Focus on Minimums

Question 6

What is meant by SMART objectives and why are they important in successfully measuring staff performance? (2 points)

Answer 6

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-bound

By being SMART, the objectives can be actually measured and compared objectively. Also staff have objectives that are clear (specific), actually achievable and realistic. Staff also knows within what time these goals should be met.

Question 7

Explain why effective communication is so important in the workplace, indicating the dangers of ineffective communication. (3 points)

Answer 7

Importance of communication

• Builds employee MORALE, satisfaction and engagement.
• Helps employees understand TERMSAND CONDITIONS of their employment and drives their commitment and LOYALTY.
• Gives employees a VOICE—an increasingly meaningful component of improving
  employees’ satisfaction with their employer & helps provide useful feedback.
• Helps to lessen the chances for misunderstandings & potentially reduces grievances /LAWSUITS.
• IMPROVES PROCESSES and procedures and ultimately creates greater efficiencies and reduces costs.
• Authentic dialogue, Two-way: Listening to employee ISSUES and concerns builds loyalty and drives improved productivity

Ineffective communication may:
* Increase the chances for MISNDERSTANDINGS
* Damage RELATIONSHIPS
* Break TRUST
* Increase anger and hostility
* DEMOTIVATE
* Lead to higher staff TURNOVER
* Damage the EMPLOYER BRAND

Question 8

Wellbeing in the workplace can be linked to three aspects: physical, mental and social.

Briefly explain the mental and social aspects. (3 points)

Answer 8

(Gemini:)

Mental Wellbeing:
Stress management
Work-life balance
Job security & recognition

Social Wellbeing:
Positive relationships
Teamwork & collaboration
Open communication & trust
Sense of belonging