ACCA F1 - (Topic 11-19)

Which of the following statements about training is most likely to be the foundation of an effective training policy?

• The important thing is to do lots of training

  
  

• Training can be an effective solution to some performance problems

  
  

• Training is all cost and no quantifiable benefit

  
  

• Training is the responsibility of the HR department

  
  

Which of the following are meaningful criteria for measuring the effectiveness of an appraisal scheme? (i) Serious intent; (ii) Fairness; (iii) Efficiency; (iv) Co-operation; (v) Results.

• (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) only

  
  

• (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v)

  
  

• (ii), (iii) and (v) only

  
  

• (iii) and (v) only

  
  

In the context of selection, what is an assessment centre?

• A series of tests, interviews and activities undergone by a group of candidates over several days

  
  

• A series of tests, interviews and activities undergone by a group of candidates over several days

  
  

• A series of tests and interviews undergone by an individual candidate over several days

  
  

• A place where candidates are taken to undergo group assessments

  
  

Which of the following is not a technique of scientific management or Taylorism?

• Multi-skilled teamworking

  
  

• Work study techniques to establish efficient methods

  
  

• Financial incentives

  
  

• Micro-design of jobs

  
  

In the context of selection interviews, which of the following describes the ‘halo effect’?

• A tendency to mentally assign people to a group and then attribute to them the traits assumed to be characteristic of the group as a whole

  
  

• An effect whereby the interviewer attributes to the applicant beliefs, attitudes or feelings which he has himself

  
  

• A tendency for people to make an initial judgement based on first impressions, and then letting this colour their later perceptions.

  
  

• An effect whereby the interviewer changes the behaviour of the applicant by suggestion

  
  

Selection tests such as IQ tests and personality tests may not be effective in getting the right person for the job for several reasons. Which of the following criticisms of the tests is not justified, however?

• Tests are generally less accurate predictors of success than interviews

  
  

• Subjects are able to deliberately falsify results

  
  

• Tests do not eliminate bias and subjectivity

  
  

• Test results can be influenced by practice and coaching rather than genuine ability

  
  

Grant is a member of a project team. His colleagues in the team rely on him to read and check complex project documentation. Grant has a keen eye for detail and often identifies minor details in documents that others miss but may be of significance. Despite the diligent approach, Grant always meets his deadlines. However, some of Grant’s colleagues feel frustrated when he refuses to involve others. He can hold up progress as he will not agree to the team signing off project documents until all of his concerns are fully discussed. According to Belbin’s team roles theory, Grant is an example of which of the following?

• Monitor – evaluator

  
  

• Implementer

  
  

• Shaper

  
  

• Completer – finisher

  
  

Which of the following is not an attribute of communication through an informal organisational network or ‘grapevine’?

• Fast

  
  

• Up-to-date

  
  

• Selective

  
  

• Accurate

  
  

A recruitment manager has prepared a statement of the key duties, tasks and reporting responsibilities involved in a particular job, as the basis for job interviewing. What name would be given to such a statement?

• Job advertisement

  
  

• Personnel specification

  
  

• Job analysis

  
  

• Job description

  
  

Which of the following leadership styles gives the most discretion or decision-making power to subordinates?

• Autocratic

  
  

• Consultative

  
  

• Democratic