Midterm Review

Based on research, what is the best response?

• Diversity will always improve performance, so the company should implement it immediately.

• Diversity can have both positive and negative effects, and its success depends on how it is managed.

• Diversity has no impact on team dynamics and should not be a priority.

• Diversity always creates problems, so the company should avoid focusing on it.

Answer explanation

Research on diversity suggests that diversity in teams can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. When managed well, diversity can improve creativity, innovation, and decision-making. However, if not managed properly, it can lead to issues such as miscommunication, conflict, and challenges in team cohesion. Therefore, the success of diversity initiatives largely depends on how an organization approaches inclusion, communication, and team dynamics. Simply implementing diversity without strategic management can lead to inefficiencies and problems, so a well-thought-out approach is necessary for positive outcomes.

Which of the following best defines stereotype threat?

• A fear that one will confirm negative stereotypes about their group.

• A positive belief about one’s own abilities based on stereotypes.

• A situation where stereotypes have no impact on behavior.

• An intentional attempt to discriminate against others.

Answer explanation

Stereotype threat occurs when individuals fear being judged or treated based on negative stereotypes associated with their social group. This fear can lead to performance anxiety, which may impair their ability to perform well in situations where those stereotypes are relevant.

What does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require employers to do?

• Avoid hiring disabled employees.

• Provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities.

• Offer disabled employees the same salary as non-disabled employees.

• Hire a specific percentage of employees with disabilities.

Answer explanation

The ADA mandates that employers must provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, ensuring they can perform their jobs effectively. This might include adjustments like accessible workspaces, assistive technologies, or flexible work hours. The act aims to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace.

A company has a hiring test that requires applicants to lift 100 pounds, even though the job does not require heavy lifting. The test results in fewer women being hired. Which of the following best describes this situation?

• The test is fair because it is given to everyone.

• The test may be illegal because it disadvantages women without a job-related reason.

• The test is fine as long as the company prefers male workers.

• The test is legal if the company didn’t intend to discriminate.

Answer explanation

If a hiring test disproportionately affects a specific group (in this case, women) without being job-related, it may be considered discriminatory under employment law. A test should only include requirements that are directly relevant to the actual tasks of the job, and physical tests that are not aligned with the job's duties can be considered unfair and potentially illegal.

Which group is most often the focus of research on work-life balance challenges?

• Single men in leadership roles

• Working parents, especially women

• Employees without children

• Retired professionals transitioning back into the workforce

Answer explanation

Research on work-life balance often focuses on working parents, particularly women, as they frequently face unique challenges balancing professional and caregiving responsibilities. Women often bear a larger share of household duties and child care, which can create additional stress and impact their work-life balance.

What is one reason women are less likely to negotiate their salaries compared to men?

• Women are less interested in earning higher salaries.

• Women lack the necessary skills to negotiate.

• Social norms often penalize women for assertiveness, discouraging negotiation.

• Employers do not allow women to negotiate.

Answer explanation

Research has shown that social norms can penalize women for being assertive in negotiations, as they may be perceived as aggressive or demanding. In contrast, men are often encouraged to negotiate and may not face the same negative perceptions. This discourages many women from negotiating their salaries.

Which of the following is a common reason why fathers may not take paternity leave, even when it’s available?

• Paternity leave is always paid.

• They fear being perceived as less committed to their jobs.

• They are legally required to take paternity leave.

• They believe their leave will negatively impact their partner’s career.

Answer explanation

Despite the availability of paternity leave, many fathers worry about being seen as less dedicated or serious about their work if they take time off. This fear of damaging their career prospects often leads them to forgo paternity leave, even if it is offered by their employer.

Why are younger people participating in the labor force at lower rates?

• Younger generations prefer working part-time or in gig economy jobs.

• They are staying in school longer to gain higher qualifications before entering full-time work.

• They are retiring earlier than previous generations.

• They are leaving the workforce due to lack of job opportunities.

Answer explanation

One of the reasons younger people are participating in the labor force at lower rates is the increasing trend of pursuing higher education. Many younger people are staying in school longer to obtain more advanced qualifications, which delays their entry into the full-time workforce.

Which of the following jobs is not likely to have a BFOQ based on age?

• Firefighter

• Airline pilot

• Software engineer

• Police officer

Answer explanation

A BFOQ (Bona Fide Occupational Qualification) allows employers to hire employees based on specific attributes like age, but only in certain job categories where age is a legitimate requirement. For example, age restrictions might apply to jobs like airline pilots or firefighters due to physical demands. However, a software engineer position generally doesn't require any specific age qualifications.

What stereotype might Jenny be concerned about in this situation?

• She might be seen as more dependable and less likely to quit compared to younger candidates.

• She might be perceived as more adaptable and capable of handling change.

• She might be seen as less adaptable and harder to train compared to younger applicants.

• She might be viewed as more productive and motivated than younger candidates.

Answer explanation

Older workers may sometimes face stereotypes that suggest they are less adaptable or more resistant to change compared to younger workers. Jenny might be worried that she’ll be perceived this way in comparison to younger applicants.