Managing-Human-Capital WGU Managing Human Capital C202 Questions and Answers

Definition of Staffing: Staffing encompasses a series of activities aimed at ensuring the organization has the right people in the right jobs at the right time.

Components:

Planning: Assessing current and future staffing needs based on organizational goals.

Acquiring: Recruiting and selecting candidates who fit the organizational culture and job requirements.

Deploying: Placing employees in roles where they can be most effective.

Retaining: Implementing strategies to keep talented employees engaged and committed to the organization.

Importance: Effective staffing ensures that the organization has the human capital necessary to achieve its objectives and maintain a competitive edge.

References:

Human Resource Management theories and practices

Strategic Staffing models and frameworks

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 also covers situations where genetic information is inadvertently obtained, such as through social media. It prohibits employers from using genetic information in making employment decisions, including hiring, firing, job assignments, and promotions. The hiring manager's decision not to hire the applicant based on a social media post about a family member's diagnosis with Parkinson's disease constitutes a violation of GINA.

References:

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website

Job design is the process of organizing tasks, duties, and responsibilities into a productive unit of work. By creating positions that align with employees' needs and talents, job design can significantly benefit an organization. This approach not only helps in achieving organizational goals by ensuring that work is done efficiently and effectively but also motivates employees by recognizing their individual strengths and preferences. Motivated employees tend to be more engaged, productive, and satisfied with their jobs, which in turn leads to higher retention rates and better overall organizational performance. Effective job design considers various factors such as job enrichment, job enlargement, job rotation, and the use of teams to create a fulfilling work environment.References

Hackman, J. R., & Oldham, G. R. (1976). "Motivation through the Design of Work: Test of a Theory." Organizational Behavior and Human Performance.

Armstrong, M. (2021). "Armstrong's Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice." Kogan Page.

A customary benefit refers to benefits that are traditionally offered by employers, though not legally required. Retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans or pension plans, are common examples of customary benefits. These plans provide financial security for employees in their post-working years and are often used by employers to attract and retain talent by offering long-term financial planning options.

References

Managing Human Capital Textbook

"Employee Benefits" by Joseph J. Martocchio

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on customary benefits

The compromising conflict management strategy involves both parties giving up something to reach a mutually acceptable solution. In this scenario, the manager instructs Employees A and B to find a solution that will make both of them partially happy, which is characteristic of compromising. This approach is suitable when the conflict needs a quick resolution, and both parties have equal power and are willing to make concessions. It aims for a middle-ground outcome that provides partial satisfaction to both parties involved.References:

Thomas, K. W., & Kilmann, R. H. (1974). Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument. Xicom.

Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management. Pearson.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 prohibits employers from requesting, requiring, or purchasing genetic information about an applicant or an employee, which includes family medical history. The act aims to prevent discrimination based on genetic information in both health insurance and employment. The recruiter's request for information about the applicant’s medical conditions and those of their family members directly violates GINA.

References:

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website

Human resource planning is a critical function of human resource management that involves forecasting an organization’s future human resource needs and planning for how to meet those needs. This includes designing jobs and workspaces for optimal efficiency, ensuring the right number of employees with the right skills are in place, and aligning human resources with the organization's strategic goals. This planning ensures the organization can meet its future demands and remain competitive.

References:

Human Resource Planning, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) website

The development of training content and delivery methods is guided by clearly defined learning objectives. Learning objectives specify what employees are expected to learn and achieve by the end of the training program. They provide a clear direction for designing the training materials, selecting appropriate instructional methods, and evaluating the effectiveness of the training. By aligning training content with specific learning objectives, organizations ensure that the training is relevant, targeted, and effective in meeting both employee and organizational needs.References:

Noe, R. A. (2020). Employee Training and Development. McGraw-Hill Education.

Blanchard, P. N., & Thacker, J. W. (2013). Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices. Pearson.

Sourcing and recruiting are two distinct but interrelated steps in the hiring process. Sourcing involves identifying and attracting potential candidates who have the skills and qualifications necessary to meet the organization's staffing needs. This process can include searching for candidates through various channels such as job boards, social media, networking events, and employee referrals. Once a pool of potential candidates is identified, the recruiting process begins. Recruiting involves engaging with these candidates, assessing their suitability for the role, and encouraging them to apply for the open positions. This includes activities such as conducting interviews, evaluating applications, and managing the offer process. By differentiating between sourcing and recruiting, organizations can streamline their hiring processes and ensure they attract and hire the best possible talent.References

Phillips, J. M., & Gully, S. M. (2015). "Strategic Staffing." Pearson Education.

SHRM. "Sourcing Candidates."

Unionized workers typically enjoy more secure benefits compared to nonunionized workers, with guaranteed pensions being one of the most secure. Unions negotiate defined benefit pension plans that promise a specified monthly benefit at retirement, which is often based on factors such as salary history and years of service. These plans provide financial security for employees upon retirement and are less common in nonunionized workplaces, where defined contribution plans like 401(k)s are more prevalent.References:

Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M. (2019). Human Resource Management: Gaining a Competitive Advantage. McGraw-Hill Education.

Freeman, R. B., & Medoff, J. L. (1984). What Do Unions Do?. Basic Books.

A procedure is a series of steps or actions that need to be followed in order to achieve a specific outcome. Option D specifies that the store manager requires all employees to clean their workstations at the end of each shift, indicating a clear, consistent, and repeatable set of actions (steps) that employees must follow, which is the essence of a procedure.

References:

Managing Human Capital Textbook

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) guidelines on procedures

Procedural fairness in the hiring process can be increased by implementing validated selection methods that are directly related to the job requirements. This includes using standardized tests, structured interviews, and job simulations that have been scientifically proven to predict job performance. These methods ensure that all candidates are evaluated consistently and objectively based on their qualifications and abilities relevant to the job, thereby reducing biases and enhancing the perceived fairness of the selection process.References:

Dessler, G. (2020). Human Resource Management. Pearson.

Boudreau, J. W., & Cascio, W. F. (2017). Applied Psychology in Talent Management. Sage Publications.