WGU I/O Psychology - D576 with 100% accurate solutions + rationales

One employee has a strong need for power, and another employee has a strong need for affiliation. How should the employees be motivated differently?

Let the first employee exercise influence over coworkers. Let the second employee offer help to coworkers.

What is one difference in the advantages of flexitime as compared to compressed workweeks?

Flexitime offers better work-life balance, but compressed workweeks offer lower childcare expenses.

Which strategy would enhance employee satisfaction while addressing the primary challenges of remote work, according to SHRM 2021 survey?

Set up a hybrid working model where employees work from home part-time and from the office part-time to balance collaboration and flexibility.

Which comparison of the Nagy Job Satisfaction Scale to other standard inventories is accurate?

The Nagy Job Satisfaction Scale asks about factors and their relative importance, not other scales do not.

Which topic is a focus of the organizational component of industrial/organizational psychology?

Structuring for high performance

Which guidelines should be followed when writing the competencies section of a job description?

Provide information on what is needed to be successful for the job.

What is the job analysis method that focuses on having employees describe the tasks they perform?

Interviewing experts

Which component is the focus when determining internal pay equity?

Identifying the importance of job duties.

Which area is associated with the industrial approach of industrial/organizational psychology?

Finding qualified employees.

Which component is the focus when determining external pay equity?

Analyzing information from salary surveys.

Which type of periodical is the best source of unbiased and accurate, peer-reviewed information about a topic?

Journal articles

After two Jewish employees refused to work Saturdays at a retail store for religious reasons, the owner decided to fire them. The owner maintains that Saturdays are busy and employees must be willing to work on those days. Why should this employment decision be challenged legally?

It unfairly discriminates based on religion.

A company wants to reduce its risk for legal liability relating to sexual harassment cases. What is an effective step toward this goal?

Take prompt corrective action against offenders.

A business owner offers a promotion to a manager if the manager agrees to exclude a certain ethnic group from the hiring process. Why is the company liable for damages in this case?

An unethical favor was tied to the decision.

What is the Hawthorne effect?

A condition where employees become more productive due to being studied.

What is a key responsibility of personnel psychologists in I/O psychology?

Selecting and promoting employees.

Which husband and wife team were among the first scientists to improve productivity and reduce fatigue by studying the motions used by workers?

Franklin and Lillian Gilbreth

After suffering loses from a case related to sexual harassment, a company wants to make changes to reduce the risk of legal liability in the future. Which steps should the organization take?

Clearly indicate how to file a complaint or report.

Based on comments made by a business owner, it is clear to a manager they will be evaluated more favorably if they agree to exclude a certain ethnic group from the hiring process. Why is the company liable for damages in this case?

The decision was tied to an inappropriate favor.

Which US Supreme Court case confirmed that increasing diversity is a compelling government interest in affirmative action programs?

Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), because it stated that using race did not erase the rights of nonminorities.

How are civil rights acts different from the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments regarding discrimination?

The Civil Rights Acts require statistical analysis, while Amendments require intent.

How do the legal implications differ for quid pro quo harassment and a hostile work environment?

Quid pro quo harassment can result in personal liability for the harasser, while a hostile work environment only holds the employer liable.

How do the reporting requirements differ for quid pro quo harassment and a hostile work environment?

Quid pro quo harassment must be reported to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), while a hostile work environment can be addressed internally.

What is a common affirmative action strategy that involves targeting underrepresented groups for more extensive recruitment?

Intentional selection of minority applicants.

Why do companies conduct employee performance evaluations?

To make termination decisions.

A manager sorts employees by performance and then uses fixed percentages to place employees into general performance categories. Which evaluation method does this demonstrate?

Forced distribution.

A manager heavily relies on letters of recommendation when selecting employees for new positions. What is one problem with this strategy?

There is often only knowledge of the applicant in one setting.

What concern has been raised about using personality inventories for employee selection?

They are relatively easy to fake because they are self reports.

How is the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) used when screening potential employees for psychopathology?

The MMPI is used to assess an individual's personality traits and identify any potential abnormal behaviors during the hiring process.

What is the significance of using personality inventories in employee selection?

They can predict a wide variety of work behaviors and attitudes.

Why should companies carefully document critical behaviors?

It enables the evaluator to remember specific behaviors.

What is one of the limitations to the employment-at-will-doctrine?

Employees cannot be terminated for refusing to violate the law.

What is one legal reason for terminating an employee, given that the employment-at-will-doctrine does not apply?

An inability to perform the job.

What is the purpose of task analysis in the process of needs analysis?

To determine what employees actually do in the preference of their jobs.

What type of error is being made when the performance rating one person receives is influenced by the performance of a previously evaluated person?

Contrast error.

What is the potential result of promoting employees based solely on performance or tenure?

The Peter Principle.

After a manager creates a sorted list of employees based on performance, 20% of the employees are placed in each of the following categories: excellent, good, average, below average, and terrible. Which type of evaluation is being used by the manager?

Forced distribution.

Why should an employer be wary of relying too heavily on letters of recommendation for the employee selection process?

There is often only knowledge about the applicant in one setting.

A firm is seeking to hire a new graphic designer. In addition to other methods of evaluation, the firm wants to use an instrument to ensure that applicants have adequate spatial reasoning skills. What is the appropriate test for this purpose?

Perceptual ability.

An employer is designing an applicant questionnaire as a performance predictor. The questionnaire will address information about an applicant's life, school, community, and work experience. Which guidelines should be followed in order to reduce some of the criticisms of this type of questionnaire?

Focus on events that a person controls.

What is one of the primary concerns related to the use of personality inventories for employee selection?

They are relatively easy to fake because they are self reports.

A company has decided to use integrity testing as part of its employee selection process. What is a drawback of this type of testing?

Failing this test can have a negative psychological impact.

A company wants to be able to conduct employee drug tests but wants to ensure the methods of testing are legally defensible. Which form of testing should be used?

Test employees after an incident has occurred.

How is a voice stress analyzer used when screening potential employees?

It measures changes in a person's voice to detect sign of deception during interviews.

A company observed a discrepancy in performance and job satisfaction across different teams. One team, handling complex tasks, shows a high correlation between jobs satisfaction and performance. Meanwhile, another team, dealing with less complex tasks, shows a weaker correlation. Which scenario would enhance overall job performance across different teams, based on affective-cognitive consistency?

Requiring employees to commit to more complex projects and participate in engagement initiatives.

Which situation encourages the employee to make conscious decisions about attending work?

A company using PTO program records to reward attendance bonuses to employees each quarter.

What is one difference between theories related to job characteristics and theories related to job expectations?

Theories based on characteristics emphasize task significance. Theories based on expectations emphasize accurate job descriptions.

A manufacturing manager proposes that the facility should have the goal of producing 5,000 units next month. The facility is currently producing 4,800 units per month. Another manager proposes that the goal should be to achieve a high level of efficiency. Why is the first manager's goal more effective?

The first manager's goal is time-bound, but the second manager's goal is not.

How do the benefits of compressed work weeks compare to the benefits of flexitime hours?

Flexitime offers better work-life balance, but compressed workweeks offer more vacation time.

What is one difference between the benefits of peak-time pay and working from home?

Peak-time pay offers greater pay for high-stress environment, but working from home offers more time with family.

A tech team consists of diverse individuals with varying preferences and motivations. To boost productivity and morale, you decide to implement a personalized incentive program based on the Premack Principle. Each team member is asked to create a list of preferred activities and rewards. Which incentive strategies would be effective for a staff that is motivated by learning new skills?

Offering employees opportunities to lead new projects and commit to professional workshops throughout the year.

A new manager, Maria, is tasked with improving her team's productivity at a software development company. She decides to set specific goals for each team member to enhance their performance and customer satisfaction. Which goal set by Maria would be appropriate for ensuring it is measurable?

Reducing the average time to resolve customer support tickets from five days to three days within the next quarter.

A Human Resource manager analyzed the current company culture and identified that employees feel their work is not sufficiently recognized, there are limited opportunities for professional development, team cohesion is weak, and there is a high level of job insecurity. What comprehensive strategy would improve employee motivation in your organization, based on the four-drive theory?

Develop a company-wide program that publicly acknowledges employee achievements and ensures job stability.

How do wellness programs differ from recognition programs for reducing absenteeism?

Wellness programs focus on reducing illness, but recognition programs focus on praise.

Two of a company's managers have recognized that there is a problem of high employee turnover. One manager proposes that employees be given more meaningful tasks. The other proses that a higher emphasis should be placed on coworker collaboration. What plan should he implemented?

The first manager, because the strategy increases job commitment.

What comparison of affective commitment and normative commitment on the Allen and Meyer scale is accurate?

Affective commitment focuses on personal feelings, but normative commitment focuses on obligatory pressures.

Which comparison of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) and the Organizational Commitment Scale (OCS) is accurate?

The OCQ measures a desire to remain with the organization, but the OCS measures identification.

At a software development company, Mia, a senior developer, has been given the opportunity to oversee the design phase of a new software module. The responsibility involves analyzing user requirements, collaborating with the design team, and make critical decisions about the architecture and functionality of the module. Which scenario illustrates knowledge enlargement, in the context of job enrichment strategies?

Mia is responsible for making strategic decisions about the design and architecture of a new software module.

Maya works at a manufacturing plant where she has been performing the same assembly line task for several years. Lately, she has been feeling unchallenged and dissatisfied with her job. Which action would increase Maya's job satisfaction by addressing her self-actualization needs, according to Hackman and Oldham's job characteristics theory?

Give Maya more control and responsibility over her tasks, such as allowing her to oversee the entire assembly process from start to finish.

An HR manager at a mid-sized tech company is facing a high turnover rate among the experienced software engineers. Many of these employees are leaving for higher pay or better career advancement opportunities at larger firms. The company has limited promotion opportunities due to its flat organizational structure and financial constraints. What strategy can effectively reduce the turnover among the experienced software engineers?

Create a "Senior Engineer" designation with a significant pay increase, recognizing experience and skills without adding supervisory responsibilities.

Corollary Marketing uses an attitude survey that collects employee feedback. Managers can then see their employees' comments and suggestions. Which communication type is exemplified by Corollary Marketing?

Upward communication.

Which communication strategy depends on recipients sharing a message with others?

Communication using a company cluster grapevine.

What are important aspects to consider when sending a sensitive email that could cause concern among employees?

Strategic timing, a lot of time spent editing, and precise wording.

Which indicator is an aspect of an ineffective leader?

Being a high likeability floater.

What could be the reason for a group not functioning well?

The group has shifting membership.

Which activity is an example of functional conflict?

Competition between two teammates to improve their skills and get more playing time.

What is one of the two differences between attitude surveys and suggestion boxes?

Attitude surveys are usually conducted by an outside consultant, but suggestion boxes are handled internally.

Which statement about attitude surveys and suggestion boxes is accurate?

Attitude surveys are conducted with chosen employees, but suggestion boxes are voluntary.

What is the difference between the probability grapevine and the cluster grapevine in the workplace?

The probability grapevine involves spreading rumors and gossip among a wide network, while the cluster grapevine involves sharing information within a specific group or department.

What is one difference between groups with more cohesiveness and groups with less cohesiveness?

More cohesive groups have better decision-making quality.

What is one general difference between larger groups and smaller groups?

Larger groups have less overall cohesiveness.

Which comparison about larger groups and smaller groups is correct?

Larger groups have a greater level of innovation.

Which leadership strategy would reduce stress-generating burdens on employees?

Offering a flexible schedule

What is something an employer can do to lower employee stress?

Provide onsite or nearby day care.

How do the cultural backgrounds of leaders affect leadership?

Leaders with diverse cultural backgrounds have a greater understanding of employees.

What is the correct term for employees choosing harmony and consensus over critical evaluation of alternatives?

Groupthink

What is the result of companies empowering employees?

Employee satisfaction.

There is toxicity between supervisors and employees. What is the source of this stress?

Interpersonal demands.

How can employees work toward reducing stress related to work?

Utilize counseling.

Which type of food helps reduce stress?

nonfat yogurt

A manager strictly follows procedures and is self-centered.

Which type of leadership style is described?

Self-protective

An employee prepares a monthly report that no one appears to need or use. Which type of sacred cow does this demonstrate?

Paper cow (unnecessary paperwork)

What is a recommended approach for leaders to reduce workplace stress?

Encouraging open communication and feedback in the company.

What are the three components that must be included during a job evaluation?

Internal pay equity, external pay equity, and sex and race/ethnicity equity.

Imagine an origination where the chief executive officer (CEO) is the person who has decision-making authority. They communicate their decisions to district supervisors, who in turn inform the local supervisors, who pass along the decisions to the staff. What is this chain of command called?

Organizational structure

Management is having a meeting in which they are attempting to determine which skills their good employees possess, connect those skills to values that are important to the organization, and assess what new skills will be needed in the future. Which type of lists is management trying to create?

Competency framework

A male employee makes an inappropriate remark to a female coworker. The comment is unwanted and makes her feel uncomfortable. She attempts to forget about it but finds herself quite bothered, and it affects her work for the rest of the day. Why does this scenario fail to describe a hostile work environment, based on ethical standards and legal considerations?

Although the comment was unwanted, it does not describe a pattern necessary for a hostile work environment.

What must an employer do to avoid legal consequences if an employment practice discriminates against a protected class?

Show that the employment practice is job-related or exempt from adverse impact.

What are states allowed to do if federal law is passed protecting certain rights of individuals?

They are allowed to increase the number of rights that are protected.

An employer has noticed that sales have dropped significantly over the past quarter and wants to provide training that will increase the interpersonal skills of its salespeople. Which type training method should be used?

Role-playing

Which benefit do objective measures have over other methods for performance evaluations?

Objective measures allow employers to provide specific feedback for improvement because the behaviors measured are quantifiable.

A supervisor is examining performance evaluations. There is one employee whom the supervisor does not really like personally. While looking over this employee's evaluation, the supervisor pay particular attention to the areas where the employee shows poor performance and ignores those areas where the employee performs really well. Which cognitive error is the supervisor displaying?

Confirmation bias

What is a drawback to using biodata as a measure of an employee's potential for future success?

Biodata is only able to predict performance for a few years after the instrument has been created.

A supervisor is completing a rating form for an employee evaluation. The supervisor is impressed with the employees ability to meet their goals, so the supervisor gives the employee high ratings on all performance dimensions. Which error is the supervisor displaying?

Halo error

Which test would an industrial/organization psychologist suggest to determine the best career path for a given individual?

Interest inventory test

Which perspective describes organization-based self-esteem?

An employer's feelings about competence and self-worth as a member of an organization.

Which factor describes intrinsic motivation?

Enjoying the challenge of completing a task.

Which description characterizes Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs.

How do organizational ethics affect job satisfaction?

Workers are more likely to be satisfied with an ethical organization.

Which decision demonstrates affective commitment?

An employee remains in a job because they care about the organization and want to contribute to its success.