Free Human Resource Management MCQs with Answers

858 Human Resource Management MCQs from Management Sciences, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Human resource management deals with acquiring, developing, rewarding and retaining employees within an organisation. It includes job analysis, recruitment, selection, training, performance appraisal, compensation, career planning, labour relations and workplace discipline. Recruitment attracts applicants, while selection evaluates them and chooses the most suitable candidate.

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858 questions · page 3 of 43

  • A. Graphic rating scale
  • B. Behaviourally anchored rating scale
  • C. Forced distribution method
  • D. Management by objectives

Explanation: The forced distribution method assigns employees to set performance groups, such as high, average and low performers.

Correct answer: Forced distribution method
  • A. Mentoring
  • B. Job rotation
  • C. Orientation
  • D. Performance counselling

Explanation: Mentoring provides continuing career advice, encouragement and professional guidance from a more experienced person.

Correct answer: Mentoring
  • A. Coaching
  • B. Succession planning
  • C. Job evaluation
  • D. Collective bargaining

Explanation: Coaching concentrates on improving an employee's current performance or a particular skill through feedback and practice.

Correct answer: Coaching
  • A. Job enlargement
  • B. Job enrichment
  • C. Work simplification
  • D. Job rotation

Explanation: Job enrichment increases the depth of a job by adding responsibility, control and decision-making authority.

Correct answer: Job enrichment
  • A. Gainsharing
  • B. Seniority pay
  • C. Straight salary
  • D. Piece-rate pay

Explanation: Gainsharing shares financial gains resulting from improved productivity or efficiency with participating employees.

Correct answer: Gainsharing
  • A. Involuntary turnover
  • B. Voluntary turnover
  • C. Functional redundancy
  • D. Disciplinary dismissal

Explanation: Voluntary turnover occurs when an employee chooses to leave, often for another job or personal reasons.

Correct answer: Voluntary turnover
  • A. 5 percent
  • B. 20 percent
  • C. 40 percent
  • D. 95 percent

Explanation: The selection ratio equals the number selected divided by the number of applicants, multiplied by 100.

Correct answer: 5 percent
  • A. Campus recruitment
  • B. Employee referrals
  • C. Executive search
  • D. Public employment exchange

Explanation: Employee referrals occur when existing employees recommend potential applicants from their personal or professional networks.

Correct answer: Employee referrals
  • A. Job shadowing
  • B. Apprenticeship
  • C. Vestibule training
  • D. Case discussion

Explanation: An apprenticeship combines supervised practical experience with related technical instruction and usually lasts for a substantial period.

Correct answer: Apprenticeship
  • A. Hard HRM
  • B. Soft HRM
  • C. Scientific management
  • D. Administrative control

Explanation: Soft HRM treats employees as valuable assets and emphasises trust, development, commitment and participation.

Correct answer: Soft HRM
  • A. Behaviourally anchored rating scale
  • B. Graphic rating scale
  • C. Paired comparison method
  • D. Forced distribution method

Explanation: A behaviourally anchored rating scale connects rating points with specific observable workplace behaviours.

Correct answer: Behaviourally anchored rating scale
  • A. Organisational level
  • B. Individual level
  • C. Task level
  • D. Departmental level

Explanation: Organisational analysis considers the organisation's strategy, resources and environment to identify broad training needs.

Correct answer: Organisational level
  • A. Halo effect
  • B. Recency effect
  • C. Central tendency
  • D. Contrast effect

Explanation: The halo effect occurs when one favourable characteristic leads to overly positive ratings in unrelated areas.

Correct answer: Halo effect
  • A. Profit-sharing plan
  • B. Piece-rate plan
  • C. Skill-based pay plan
  • D. Time-rate plan

Explanation: A profit-sharing plan links employee rewards to the organisation's profits, usually according to a stated formula.

Correct answer: Profit-sharing plan
  • A. Job description
  • B. Employee handbook
  • C. Offer letter
  • D. Training manual

Explanation: A job description explains the main duties, responsibilities, reporting relationships and other features of a position.

Correct answer: Job description
  • A. Downsizing
  • B. Job enlargement
  • C. Outsourcing
  • D. Benchmarking

Explanation: Downsizing is a planned reduction in the number of employees, often caused by economic pressure, restructuring or reduced demand.

Correct answer: Downsizing
  • A. Reasonable accommodation
  • B. Job rotation
  • C. Pay compression
  • D. Employment branding

Explanation: Reasonable accommodation involves suitable changes to the job, workplace or work process that enable a qualified person with a disability…

Correct answer: Reasonable accommodation
  • A. Recruitment yield analysis
  • B. Job evaluation
  • C. Salary survey
  • D. Succession analysis

Explanation: Recruitment yield analysis tracks applicant numbers as they move through stages such as application, interview and appointment.

Correct answer: Recruitment yield analysis
  • A. Knowledge management
  • B. Workforce downsizing
  • C. Job evaluation
  • D. Payroll administration

Explanation: Knowledge management captures, develops, shares and applies employees' knowledge to support organisational performance.

Correct answer: Knowledge management
  • A. Pay compression
  • B. Internal recruitment
  • C. Wage garnishment
  • D. Broadbanding

Explanation: Pay compression occurs when differences in pay between groups, such as new and experienced employees, become unreasonably narrow.

Correct answer: Pay compression