CPRE Human Resources 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A parks agency is implementing a new performance evaluation system. Which approach BEST aligns individual goals with organizational objectives?
- Ranking all employees against each other on a bell curve
- Using management by objectives (MBO) to set mutually agreed-upon goals (Correct answer)
- Having supervisors rate employees solely on observable behaviors
- Conducting annual reviews without interim check-ins
Correct answer: Using management by objectives (MBO) to set mutually agreed-upon goals
MBO links individual performance targets directly to departmental and organizational goals, creating alignment and employee buy-in.
Question 2: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which category of parks and recreation worker is MOST likely to be classified as non-exempt?
- A recreation program director earning $60,000 annually
- A full-time aquatics manager with supervisory duties
- A part-time fitness instructor paid hourly below the salary threshold (Correct answer)
- A department head with budget authority
Correct answer: A part-time fitness instructor paid hourly below the salary threshold
Hourly workers paid below the FLSA salary threshold are non-exempt and entitled to overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week.
Question 3: Which recruitment method is MOST effective for attracting a diverse pool of candidates for a parks maintenance supervisor position?
- Posting only on the agency's internal job board
- Advertising exclusively through word-of-mouth referrals
- Partnering with community colleges, minority professional associations, and multiple online platforms (Correct answer)
- Limiting postings to local newspapers
Correct answer: Partnering with community colleges, minority professional associations, and multiple online platforms
Broad, multi-channel outreach that includes diverse community organizations increases the likelihood of attracting candidates from underrepresented groups.
Question 4: An employee files a complaint alleging sexual harassment by a coworker. What is the agency's IMMEDIATE legal obligation?
- Terminate the accused employee pending investigation
- Conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation (Correct answer)
- Transfer the complaining employee to another department
- Refer the matter directly to law enforcement
Correct answer: Conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation
Employers are legally obligated under Title VII to investigate harassment complaints promptly, thoroughly, and impartially.
Question 5: Which compensation strategy pays employees based on the skills and certifications they acquire rather than solely on their job title?
- Seniority-based pay
- Skill-based pay (Correct answer)
- Merit pay
- Broadbanding
Correct answer: Skill-based pay
Skill-based pay rewards employees for developing additional competencies, encouraging workforce flexibility and professional development.
Question 6: A recreation center manager wants to reduce workplace injuries among staff. Which HR approach is MOST preventive?
- Increasing workers' compensation insurance coverage limits
- Implementing mandatory safety training and regular workplace hazard assessments (Correct answer)
- Disciplining employees after each injury occurrence
- Requiring injured employees to use personal leave before filing claims
Correct answer: Implementing mandatory safety training and regular workplace hazard assessments
Proactive safety training and hazard assessments prevent injuries from occurring rather than responding after the fact.
Question 7: When a parks agency undergoes a reduction in force (RIF), which factor should be the PRIMARY consideration to avoid discrimination claims?
- Retaining the highest-paid employees to protect the agency budget
- Using objective, documented criteria applied consistently across all affected positions (Correct answer)
- Prioritizing retention of employees with the longest tenure regardless of performance
- Allowing department heads to select which employees to retain based on personal judgment
Correct answer: Using objective, documented criteria applied consistently across all affected positions
Objective, consistently applied criteria—such as performance ratings and essential skills—protect the agency from disparate impact discrimination claims during a RIF.
CPRE Human Resources 5
A parks agency is implementing a new performance evaluation system.
Which approach BEST aligns individual goals with organizational objectives?