Career Opportunities Flashcards

In the context of succession planning, what is a 'bench strength' assessment used to determine?

Answer: The readiness and depth of internal candidates available to fill key positions

Bench strength measures how many qualified successors are ready now, ready in 1–2 years, or in development for critical roles, reducing organizational risk.

Which HR strategy best addresses the needs of employees in a 'maintenance' career stage (typically mid-to-late career)?

Answer: Recognition programs, knowledge-transfer opportunities, and flexible arrangements

Employees in the maintenance stage often seek to sustain their contributions and legacy; engagement strategies include mentoring others, recognition, and flexibility.

A new HR manager discovers that the company's promotion decisions have historically favored employees who golf with senior leadership. This is an example of which bias in career development?

Answer: Affinity bias

Affinity bias occurs when decision-makers favor candidates who share similar interests or backgrounds, undermining merit-based career advancement.

What is the primary purpose of a 'career development center' within a large organization?

Answer: To provide employees with resources, assessments, coaching, and workshops to support career planning

Career development centers centralize tools and professional support to help employees assess their interests, build skills, and plan their career trajectories.

Which concept refers to the psychological contract between employees and employers shifting from lifetime employment to building employability?

Answer: The protean career

The protean career is self-directed and values-driven, where the individual — not the organization — defines success and continuously adapts skills to remain employable.

An employee receives feedback that they are 'technically strong but not ready for leadership.' Which HR tool is most appropriate to develop their leadership readiness?

Answer: A structured leadership development program combined with executive coaching

Leadership development programs combined with coaching provide both the conceptual framework and personalized behavioral feedback needed to bridge the technical-to-leadership gap.

Under US federal law, which protected characteristic is MOST relevant when an HR professional notices that women are systematically excluded from high-visibility project assignments that lead to promotion?

Answer: Sex

Systematic exclusion of women from advancement opportunities constitutes sex discrimination under Title VII, potentially establishing a disparate impact or disparate treatment claim.