Managing People

Question 1

What are the core functions of Human Resource Management (HRM)?

Answer 1

Recruitment, training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, and employee relations

Question 2

Define performance management

Answer 2

The process of setting objectives, assessing performance, and providing feedback to improve employee effectiveness

Question 3

What is job analysis?

Answer 3

Job analysis is the process of identifying the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of a job and the qualifications needed to perform it

Question 4

What is the purpose of recruitment?

Answer 4

To attract and select the most suitable candidates for job vacancies within an organization

Question 5

Define organizational culture

Answer 5

The shared values, beliefs, and behaviours that shape how employees interact and work within an organization

Question 6

What is employee engagement?

Answer 6

Employee engagement is the emotional commitment an employee has toward the organization and its goals, leading to higher motivation and productivity

Question 7

What are the stages of the employee life cycle?

Answer 7

Recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and exi

Question 8

Define Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Answer 8

A motivational theory proposing that individuals have five levels of needs: physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization

Question 9

What are Herzberg’s two factors of motivation?

Answer 9

1. Hygiene factors: Job security, salary, working conditions (prevent dissatisfaction);
2. Motivators: Achievement, recognition, responsibility (increase job satisfaction).

Question 10

What is McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y?

Answer 10

Theory X: Assumes employees are lazy and require supervision.
Theory Y: Assumes employees are motivated, seek responsibility, and require autonomy

Question 11

Define transactional leadership

Answer 11

A leadership style focused on supervision, performance, and rewards or punishments based on results

Question 12

Define transformational leadership

Answer 12

A leadership style that inspires and motivates employees through a shared vision, fostering personal growth and innovation

Question 13

What are the key responsibilities of managers?

Answer 13

Planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve organizational goals

Question 14

Define authority in management

Answer 14

Authority is the legitimate power to make decisions, give orders, and direct people or processes

Question 15

What is the difference between power and authority?

Answer 15

Power: The ability to influence others’ actions.
Authority: The recognized right to give orders or make decisions.

Question 16

What are the types of power in management?

Answer 16

1. Legitimate
2. Expert
3. Reward
4. Coercive
5. Referent

Question 17

What are the components of emotional intelligence (EI)?

Answer 17

1. Self-awareness
2. Self-regulation
3. Motivation
4. Empathy
5. Social skills

Question 18

What are the four stages of Tuckman’s team development model?

Answer 18

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing

Question 19

What is Belbin’s team role theory?

Answer 19

Belbin’s model identifies nine team roles essential for high-performance teams, such as Plant, Resource Investigator, Shaper, Coordinator, and Monitor-Evaluator

Question 20

Define employee turnover

Answer 20

Employee turnover refers to the rate at which employees leave an organization and are replaced by new hires

Question 21

What is the role of leadership in managing change?

Answer 21

Leaders guide and support employees through transitions, communicate the vision for change, and minimize resistance

Question 22

Define power distance in organizational culture

Answer 22

Power distance refers to the extent to which less powerful members of organizations accept unequal distribution of power

Question 23

What is the role of HR in change management?

Answer 23

HR helps manage communication, training, and support for employees to ensure a smooth transition during organizational change

Question 24

What is the impact of poor communication in teams?

Answer 24

Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, decreased productivity, low morale, and conflicts within teams

Question 25

Define the concept of employee retention

Answer 25

Employee retention refers to the efforts made by an organization to retain its employees and reduce turnover

Question 26

What are intrinsic and extrinsic motivators?

Answer 26

Intrinsic: Motivation from internal satisfaction (e.g., personal growth).
Extrinsic: Motivation from external rewards (e.g., salary, bonuses).

Question 27

What is the role of HR in organizational culture?

Answer 27

HR plays a key role in shaping and maintaining organizational culture by setting policies, fostering positive behaviour, and ensuring cultural alignment with business goals

Question 28

Define job enrichment

Answer 28

Job enrichment involves increasing the scope of a job by adding tasks that increase responsibility and opportunity for growth

Question 29

What is talent management?

Answer 29

Talent management refers to the strategies and processes used to attract, develop, retain, and utilize employees effectively to meet organizational goals

Question 30

Define workforce planning

Answer 30

Workforce planning is the process of analyzing and forecasting the future needs of an organization to ensure that it has the right number of employees with the right skills

Question 31

What is succession planning?

Answer 31

Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing employees to fill key leadership positions in the future

Question 32

What are the characteristics of effective teams?

Answer 32

Clear goals, strong leadership, mutual trust, open communication, role clarity, and high levels of collaboration

Question 33

What is the role of communication in conflict resolution?

Answer 33

Effective communication helps identify issues, fosters understanding, and facilitates a mutually agreeable resolution to conflicts

Question 34

What is employee empowerment?

Answer 34

Employee empowerment involves giving employees the authority, tools, and information to make decisions and take action in their roles

Question 35

What are the benefits of employee engagement?

Answer 35

Higher productivity, increased job satisfaction, better customer service, and lower turnover rates

Question 36

Define feedback in performance management

Answer 36

Feedback is the process of providing constructive information to employees about their performance to encourage improvement and development

Question 37

What are the principles of effective delegation?

Answer 37

Clear communication, matching tasks to employees’ abilities, providing support and guidance, and ensuring accountability

Question 38

Define job satisfaction

Answer 38

Job satisfaction refers to an employee’s positive emotional response to their job and work environment

Question 39

What is the role of HR in conflict resolution?

Answer 39

HR helps mediate conflicts, provides guidance on policies, and ensures fair and consistent treatment of all parties involved

Question 40

Define mentoring

Answer 40

Mentoring is a professional relationship where an experienced employee provides guidance and support to a less experienced colleague