Human Resources Quiz

What is the primary role of Human Resources (HR) in an organisation?

• To manage the company's finances

• To manage and develop employees within the organisation

• To oversee the production process

• To handle customer complaints

Answer explanation

The primary role of Human Resources (HR) is to manage and develop employees within the organisation, ensuring they are supported, trained, and aligned with the company's goals.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a hierarchical organisational structure?

• Few layers of management

• Authority flows from top to bottom

• Employees work in teams across different functions

• No clear chain of command

Answer explanation

A hierarchical organisational structure is characterized by a clear chain of command where authority flows from top to bottom, ensuring that decisions and directives come from higher management to lower levels.

What is a disadvantage of a flat organisational structure?

• Slow decision-making

• Limited promotion opportunities

• High operational costs

• Lack of employee involvement

Answer explanation

A flat organisational structure often leads to limited promotion opportunities because there are fewer hierarchical levels for employees to advance into, which can affect motivation and career growth.

In a matrix structure, employees report to:

• Only one manager

• Both functional and project managers

• The CEO directly

• No one, as it is a self-managed structure

Answer explanation

In a matrix structure, employees report to both functional and project managers, allowing for collaboration across different areas and projects, which is essential for flexibility and resource sharing.

What is the first step in the recruitment process?

• Advertising the job

• Conducting interviews

• Identifying the need for a new employee

• Shortlisting candidates

Answer explanation

The first step in the recruitment process is identifying the need for a new employee. This ensures that the organization understands its staffing requirements before moving on to advertising and interviewing.

Which method of recruitment is likely to bring in fresh skills and ideas?

• Internal recruitment

• External recruitment

• Promoting existing employees

• Transferring employees

Answer explanation

External recruitment is likely to bring in fresh skills and ideas because it involves hiring candidates from outside the organization, introducing new perspectives and experiences that internal methods may lack.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which need must be met first?

• Esteem needs

• Safety needs

• Physiological needs

• Social needs

Answer explanation

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, physiological needs, such as food and water, must be met first before higher-level needs like safety, social, and esteem needs can be addressed.

Which of the following is a practical way to motivate employees?

• Reducing their responsibilities

• Offering opportunities for advancement

• Increasing their workload without compensation

• Ignoring their achievements

Answer explanation

Offering opportunities for advancement is a practical way to motivate employees as it encourages growth, enhances job satisfaction, and fosters loyalty, unlike the other options which can lead to demotivation.

What is the purpose of induction training?

• To provide employees with skills for a new role

• To introduce new employees to the company and their job role

• To train employees in a new software

• To prepare employees for retirement

Answer explanation

Induction training is designed to introduce new employees to the company culture, policies, and their specific job roles, ensuring they feel welcomed and informed as they start their new positions.

Which type of training involves learning skills by performing tasks with guidance from experienced colleagues?

• Off-the-job training

• Induction training

• On-the-job training

• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Answer explanation

On-the-job training involves learning skills through practical tasks under the supervision of experienced colleagues, making it the correct choice for this type of training.