PHRi Questions and Answers

A benefits needs assessment involves evaluating the benefits offered by competitors to ensure the organization’s package is competitive and attractive to employees. HRCI recommends that organizations conduct regular assessments to align with industry standards, thus supporting recruitment and retention efforts.

A system administrator monitors and examines system usage to ensure compliance with organizational policies. HRCI notes that this role involves overseeing IT resources to prevent misuse, ensuring security, and maintaining system efficiency.

Internal recruiting allows firms to better assess candidates’ abilities, as existing employees’ skills and work ethic are already known. HRCI suggests internal recruiting is beneficial for employee retention and morale as it offers growth opportunities.

End-user participation enhances system acceptance by addressing actual user needs, and it ensures accurate requirements are gathered for development. HRCI supports involving end-users to improve system usability and acceptance, ultimately enhancing HRIS success.

The compa-ratio is calculated as:

Compa-ratio=(Employee SalaryMedian Salary)×100\text{Compa-ratio} = \left(\frac{\text{Employee Salary}}{\text{Median Salary}}\right) \times 100Compa-ratio=(Median SalaryEmployee Salary​)×100 Compa-ratio=(65,00080,000)×100=81%\text{Compa-ratio} = \left(\frac{65,000}{80,000}\right) \times 100 = 81\%Compa-ratio=(80,00065,000​)×100=81%

A compa-ratio of 81% indicates that the employee’s salary is below the median for the job. HRCI advises using compa-ratio analysis to assess pay competitiveness and equity within an organization.

Employee engagement surveys are an effective way to understand turnover causes, as they provide direct feedback on job satisfaction and workplace culture. HRCI emphasizes using surveys to capture employee sentiments and identify areas for improvement, particularly in organizations that prioritize innovation and employee input.

Job enrichment involves increasing the depth and responsibility of a job, which can lead to greater employee engagement and motivation. HRCI defines job enrichment as a strategy to enhance job satisfaction by allowing employees to take on more challenging tasks and develop their skills.

Here is the correct matching for each job analysis method with its corresponding description:

Questionnaire→ Collect information by a structured list of options

Observation→ Monitor and record actual behaviors on the job

Work Diary→ Record the frequency and the time spent on each task

Interview→ Allow instant interaction and obtain additional details

Step-by-Step Explanation

Questionnaire: A questionnaire is a structured method where employees provide information by selecting from a list of predefined options. This method is efficient for gathering large amounts of data across multiple employees and job roles.

Observation: Observation involves directly watching employees as they perform their duties to capture and record their actual behavior on the job. This method is useful for understanding real-time tasks and workflows.

Work Diary: A work diary requires employees to record their activities, noting the time spent and frequency of each task. This method provides detailed insights into the distribution of work activities and how employees allocate their time.

Interview: The interview method allows for direct interaction with employees, enabling the interviewer to ask follow-up questions and gather additional details. This method is ideal for gaining in-depth information and clarifying responses.

The duration of the assignment is a key factor; temporary or short-term roles are better suited for contract workers, while long-term needs are generally filled with regular employees. According to HRCI, analyzing the assignment’s duration helps HR decide on the appropriate employment type, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Cognitive tests assess verbal and mathematical abilities, providing insight into an applicant's intellectual capabilities and problem-solving skills. HRCI suggests that cognitive assessments can predict job performance in roles requiring critical thinking and decision-making.

Defining the goals of an employee survey is essential to ensure the survey’s purpose aligns with organizational objectives. HRCI emphasizes that clear goals guide the survey design, focusing on gathering meaningful data that can be used for decision-making and improvements.

Specifying the amount of paid vacation time is a crucial aspect of a vacation policy, as it directly affects employee work-life balance and satisfaction. HRCI recommends clear guidelines on vacation allowances to help employees understand their entitlements and plan time off effectively.

When selecting an external recruitment method, HR managers should consider the type of job being filled. Different roles require different recruiting strategies. For example, specialized technical roles may benefit from industry-specific job boards, while entry-level roles might use general job sites or social media platforms. According to HRCI guidelines, understanding the role's requirements allows HR managers to choose a recruiting method that effectively reaches the target audience, enhancing the chances of finding suitable candidates efficiently.

A high-potential employee is defined as someone with the capability and readiness to take on more responsibilities and advance within the organization. According to HRCI, identifying high-potential employees is critical for succession planning and leadership development, ensuring continuity and growth within the organization.

The employee handbook is a formal document that typically includes policies about communication monitoring, ensuring that employees are informed of these policies from the outset. HRCI advises clear documentation of monitoring policies to maintain transparency and legal compliance.

For entry-level employees, base wages and salaries constitute the largest portion of their income. According to HRCI, entry-level roles typically have less variable compensation, relying primarily on a fixed salary for financial stability and predictability.

Work-life balance is a significant factor in employee retention, as it impacts job satisfaction and overall well-being. HRCI advises organizations to promote work-life balance initiatives to enhance employee engagement and reduce turnover, as employees are more likely to stay in roles that support their personal needs.

People are more likely to embrace change if they understand its benefits and the value it brings. HRCI notes that clear communication about the purpose and value of training or change initiatives is essential in overcoming resistance and encouraging participation.

A whistleblower is an employee who reports unsafe, illegal, or unethical practices within an organization. HRCI notes that whistleblower protection policies are essential to encourage employees to report issues without fear of retaliation, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace.

Administrative HR functions are most impacted by HRIS implementation, as the system automates tasks like payroll, attendance tracking, and record-keeping. HRCI states that HRIS allows HR professionals to shift from routine administrative tasks to more strategic activities by improving efficiency and data accuracy.

Company-sponsored events, such as team-building activities and social gatherings, help improve employee morale by fostering a positive work environment and promoting collaboration. HRCI highlights that these events can strengthen team dynamics and enhance employee satisfaction, contributing to better retention.

The first step is to communicate the organization’s internet and computer usage policy to all employees, ensuring they understand the rules and expectations. According to HRCI, a clear policy and effective communication can help prevent misuse by making employees aware of acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

The hiring rate is calculated as:

A number of numbers and a number of numbers Description automatically generated with medium confidence

HRCI highlights that measuring the hiring rate can help assess the effectiveness of recruitment efforts.

Legal requirements dictate the retention period and proper disposal of employee records. HRCI emphasizes the importance of compliance with legal mandates in managing employee records to avoid liabilities and ensure data protection.

A document retention policy specifies the types of documents to retain and the length of time they should be kept. HRCI states that a well-defined retention policy ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and minimizes risks associated with record-keeping.

During reorganization, it is crucial to keep employees informed and allow them to respond to changes. HRCI emphasizes that effective communication during organizational change helps manage employee concerns, reduces uncertainty, and fosters a sense of involvement, which can lead to a smoother transition.

Implementing programs like flexible working hours and allowances for specific life events enhances the employee value proposition (EVP), making the organization more attractive to current and potential employees. HRCI highlights the importance of a strong EVP in improving employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

Mediation and one-on-one dialogue are effective conflict resolution methods that foster open communication and mutual understanding. HRCI emphasizes that these approaches help resolve conflicts constructively, promoting a positive workplace culture and reducing tension.

Consistency is critical in disciplinary action to ensure fairness and avoid perceptions of bias. HRCI advises that consistent application of policies across all employees helps build trust and ensures legal defensibility.