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SHRM-CP Competencies Questions - Part 2

Jenny Clarke

Mon, 10 Feb 2025

1. According to the Hersey-Blanchard theory, which is generally the most suitable situational leadership approach for entry-level employees?

A) Delegating
B) Selling
C) Telling
D) Participating



2. What leadership theory is characterized by the belief that managers must use different leadership styles depending on the circumstances?

A) Trait theory
B) Behavioral theory
C) Motivational theory
D) Situational leadership theory



3. Refer to the following scenario for the next 3 questions. A vice president (VP) of HR has responsibility for multiple manufacturing sites and is responsible for teams of HR managers and generalists that support each location. All locations operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. These teams cover all shifts, providing support. Each location is in the process of rolling out updated policies, including enhancements to the company's progressive disciplinary process and an ethics policy that focuses on commitment to mutual respect, ethical decision making, and integrity. One day, after the VP of HR has left her office, she receives a call from a site HR generalist. The generalist tells the VP that when he returned from his dinner break, the HR office appeared to have been ransacked. Books were thrown on the floor, and name tags were torn off doors and thrown into the trash. The generalist also reports that when security checked the cameras, they reached the conclusion that the site HR manager had done the damage and then had left the facility. The VP knows that the site HR manager has a volatile personality and has been counseled about it previously. The VP also has recently discovered that the manager has been drinking routinely after work and wonders if the ransacking of the office occurred when the manager returned to the office after a drinking session. What is the first step the VP should take before proceeding to the factory?

A) A. Call the HR manager to discuss the incident, conveying concern that this behavior is inconsistent with the organization's values and policies.
B) B. Call security to notify them of her pending arrival and request to meet to review the surveillance coverage.
C) C. Call the local police to request their presence at the site to bring forward charges of property destruction against the manager.
D) D. Call the site general manager to inform him of the situation, advising that the HR manager will be terminated.



4. What steps should the VP of HR take to address the condition of the HR office? D is incorrect. There is no need to create disruption and potential productivity issues in the factory by bringing more people in to witness the mess.

A) A. Work with the second shift HR generalist to clean up the damage and destruction of the HR office.
B) B. Leave the office as is so everyone can see it when they arrive the next day.
C) C. Demand that the HR manager return and clean up the HR area.
D) D. Request employees from the site and ask for their help with cleaning up the office.



5. The following day, members of the HR team separately contact the HR VP with concerns about the incident. Which action should the VP take address the concerns of the HR team?

A) A. Ask the HR team to document their concerns to share with the site general manager.
B) B. Bring the HR team together and ask the site HR manager to apologize to the team.
C) C. Request that they schedule time to discuss their concerns directly, one-on-one, with the HR manager.
D) D. Meet with the HR team as a group, discussing what happened and listening to concerns they have.



1. Right Answer: C
Explanation: The telling leadership style prioritizes the task (providing direction) over the relationship (creating motivation). Entry-level employees require leadership that provides structure to project scheduling, methodologies, procedures, etc. When the new employee gains proficiency, the leader can begin to focus on 'selling' or motivating. Because the new employee does not possess sufficient experience or insight into best practices, he or she cannot adequately participate in joint problem solving or decision making, which would characterize the participating and delegating approaches.

2. Right Answer: D
Explanation: The situational leadership theory states that different leadership styles should be used based on the situation in which managers find themselves. The trait theory states that leaders possess different traits than average people do. According to the behavioral theory, how a person behaves determines leadership effectiveness. The motivational theory looks at the factors causing job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

3. Right Answer: B
Explanation: B is the best response. This call will help assess security's level of concern regarding site safety and will ensure that they save the tapes of the incident. A is incorrect. If the HR VP calls the HR manager, the HR manager may demand that no action be taken. The HR VP will do better by taking appropriate investigatory action prior to contacting the HR manager. C is incorrect. Having the police on site would likely be viewed as an overreaction, since on-site security is available. D is incorrect. A proper investigation should be conducted prior to advising the general manager on what course of action should be taken.

4. Right Answer: A
Explanation: A is the best response. Helping the second shift HR generalist with the cleanup is consistent with the company's value of constant respect for people. B is incorrect. With the security footage available for reference, there is no need to leave the office in a shambles for more people to witness. C is incorrect. Contacting the HR manager for this purpose could only further exacerbate the matter.

5. Right Answer: D
Explanation: D is the best response. The HR team will likely be concerned and unsettled. Bringing them together for reassurance and to hear their concerns will help. Reinforce that there is a plan to address the situation. A is incorrect. Asking the HR team to document their concerns may create additional anxiety and opportunity for gossip. The HR VP should convey the facts and concerns to the general manager on behalf of the HR team. B is incorrect. Because of the history of the HR manager's volatile behavior, an apology may not be well received. If the HR manager feels pressured to provide an apology, it might not be seen as sincere and could generate additional concern. C is incorrect. Given the history of the HR manager, this could further exacerbate the situation.

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