1. Right Answer: C
Explanation: C is the best response. The HR manager needs to understand the extent of the problem before deciding on next steps. It is possible that there is a legitimate concern about HR's performance. A is incorrect. Until the HR manager knows whether there are legitimate concerns about performance, it would be premature and unfair to claim retaliation. This could damage HR's relationship with corporate and further erode the relationship with the plant manager. B is incorrect. The HR manager does not have enough information at this time to warrant a call to corporate. Further discussion needs to be conducted first.
2. Right Answer: D
Explanation: An effective professional network can include members from one's own organization as well as outside the organization. They may be HR professionals, but they may come from other disciplines. They can be above or below the network builder's own organizational level. They can contribute value to the network builder, and they can receive value.
3. Right Answer: A
Explanation: A stakeholder has an interest in the operation, value, and activities of an organization, although this interest may or may not be financial or contractual. A stakeholder is a participant in receiving value directly or indirectly.
4. Right Answer: C
Explanation: Networking starts with listening and helping others with their needs. Understanding and helping colleagues with their needs will pay dividends when you present your own needs, because they will be more receptive to listen and help. For example, a department lead might provide access to a person in his or her department.
5. Right Answer: A
Explanation: A is correct. As the HR manager has been tasked with resolution of the problem, bringing the department managers together to open the lines of communication is an ideal initial step to break down the silos that have been created. B is incorrect, as this training is already taking place. C is incorrect. This would not be a cost-effective approach to enhance communication among leaders. D is incorrect, as this does not address the sustainability of encouraging ongoing communication.
6. Right Answer: A
Explanation: A is correct. Without knowing or obtaining further detail on the nature of the concern, the HR manager is unable to know if a response or action is needed. The manager needs to speak with the employee to validate the concerns. B and C are incorrect. These might be subsequent steps once the HR manager understands the extent of the concerns from the employee. D is incorrect. This too may be a subsequent course of action once the HR manager determines if the concerns are widespread.
7. Right Answer: C
Explanation: C is the correct answer. Because it appears that department managers are highly competitive themselves and use an authoritative management style that drives that behavior through their teams, having discussions with the leadership driving the competitiveness is a good way to understand the root cause of the issue. A is incorrect, because this is not necessarily a representative sample of the organization. B and D are incorrect, because the current manager-employee atmosphere may not produce accurate data.
8. Right Answer: C
Explanation: Identifying stakeholders and their interests will provide the information the director will need to interpret staff recommendations and perform the assessment and analysis needed to develop an HR business plan.
9. Right Answer: A
Explanation: The conflict is wasting the time of the other committee members and could have been avoided by setting and enforcing ground rules for meeting behavior early. Perhaps the conflict can be resolved now, but it is late in the process.
10. Right Answer: B
Explanation: The manager has decided not to ask about the conflict and instead focus on the status of the activity. To avoid is to withdraw from the situation or accept it, which is what is being done here. Avoidance saves time but does not provide a permanent resolution to the task or personality issues.
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