1. Based on an analysis of future skills needed, an organization implements two new training courses. What type of intervention is this?

A) Task
B) Organizational
C) Functional
D) Individual



2. What term describes how work groups are related in an organization?

A) Process implementation
B) Hierarchy
C) Departmentalization
D) Organizational process



3. Which best demonstrates chain of command?

A) Line of authority within an organization
B) Balance between standardization and localization
C) Extent to which policies govern the organization
D) Number of individuals reporting to one supervisor



4. HR is asked to advise on ways to help a development team become fully functional as quickly as possible. The team is dispersed geographically and faces very short deadlines. What team-building solution would you prioritize?

A) Training on stress management
B) Face-to-face socialization meetings
C) Cross-cultural communications training
D) Development of a roles and responsibilities chart



5. Which best describes the situation most likely to use a narrow span of control?

A) Significantly experienced subordinates
B) No requirement of team effort
C) Skilled manager shortage
D) Complexity of tasks



6. Improving Team Performance At the request of senior management, an HR manager is assigned to solve a problem with a critical product development team. The manager has little information other than the fact that the team has fallen significantly behind schedule and the project leader is inexperienced. What should the HR manager do first?

A) Arrange for the project leader to be coached in project management skills.
B) Implement conflict resolution skills for the entire team immediately.
C) Gather information through interviews and observation of the team at work.
D) Add a consultant to the team who is expert in group facilitation.



7. What is the role of an HR professional attending a meeting in a work unit that is struggling to implement recent changes?

A) To engage the group in solving issues that have arisen
B) To take no role and allow the unit's leader to take action
C) To offer to modify work processes
D) To reinforce management's goal in the change



8. A manager has come to HR because an employee cannot meet production standards. After further investigation, it is discovered that several other employees cannot meet production standards. Records show that all employees have been properly trained and certified. Which action should HR recommend to resolve the issue?

A) Developing a new training program that is mandatory for all employees
B) Documenting underperforming employees with a verbal warning that is a precursor to termination
C) Providing remedial training with a different, more-experienced subject matter expert
D) Meeting with each employee to determine the obstacles to production



9. What is the primary obstacle that must be avoided during the norming phase of team formation?

A) Interpersonal conflicts
B) Limited communication
C) Lack of trust
D) Groupthink



10. A team leader comes to HR for advice. The team is meeting its first milestone goals, but the team leader is worried about the effect on future productivity of one team member. This person spends more time socializing at meetings than talking about the task at hand. What should the HR professional recommend?

A) Manage the risk now and replace the team member quickly.
B) Coach the individual privately on more professional conduct.
C) At the next meeting, make a point of correcting the socializing behavior.
D) Give the team time to develop its roles and relationships.