Professional Development Flashcards
7 cards from real CHRP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Development flashcards as text
Which concept describes the degree to which an employee believes they can successfully perform a specific task after training?
Answer: Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy, introduced by Bandura, is the individual's confidence in their ability to execute a behavior, directly influencing transfer of training.
What distinguishes coaching from mentoring in a professional development context?
Answer: Coaching focuses on specific skill or performance improvement; mentoring is broader career guidance
Coaching targets defined performance gaps or skill goals, while mentoring provides holistic career guidance and relationship-building over time.
Which learning theory emphasizes that employees learn best by observing others and then imitating those behaviors?
Answer: Social learning theory
Bandura's social learning theory holds that observation, imitation, and modeling are central mechanisms through which people acquire new skills.
A company uses stretch assignments to develop employees. What is the primary benefit of this approach?
Answer: Exposing employees to challenges beyond their current skill level to accelerate growth
Stretch assignments push employees just beyond their comfort zone, building capabilities and confidence through real, high-stakes work.
What is the key difference between training and development in HR practice?
Answer: Training addresses current job needs; development prepares employees for future roles
Training closes current performance gaps, while development builds competencies for future responsibilities and career advancement.
Which method is most appropriate for measuring the ROI of a professional development program?
Answer: Comparing pre- and post-training performance metrics against program costs
ROI is calculated by quantifying performance improvements (benefits) and comparing them to total program costs, following Phillips' ROI Methodology.
In succession planning, 'bench strength' refers to:
Answer: The number and readiness of internal candidates available to fill critical roles
Bench strength measures how many qualified, ready-now or ready-soon internal successors exist for key leadership positions.