Human Resources Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Human Resources facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibit? → Using genetic information in employment decisions and health insurance underwriting
2. What is 'broadbanding' in compensation structure? → Using wide salary ranges that consolidate multiple traditional pay grades
3. What does 'progressive discipline' involve? → A step-by-step corrective process with increasingly serious consequences
4. Which OD intervention focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication within a work group? → Team building
5. What type of pay plan links employee compensation directly to productivity output? → Piece-rate pay
6. Which federal law guarantees employees the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities? → National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
7. What is a 'cafeteria plan' (Section 125 plan) in employee benefits? → A flexible benefits plan allowing employees to choose among pretax benefit options
8. Large Group Interventions (LGIs) such as 'Future Search' or 'Open Space Technology' are primarily used to: → Engage the entire organization or large stakeholder groups in shaping the future direction
9. What does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establish? → Minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor standards
10. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), which employees are protected? → Employees age 40 and older
11. What does the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) require employers to provide to qualified individuals with disabilities? → Reasonable accommodations unless they impose undue hardship
12. What is the purpose of a job evaluation in compensation? → To determine the relative worth or value of jobs within the organization for pay purposes
13. What is 'leniency bias' in performance ratings? → The tendency to rate employees higher than their actual performance warrants
14. Which FLSA classification exempts employees from overtime requirements? → Exempt
15. Succession planning is best classified as which type of OD intervention? → Human resource management intervention
16. Which federal agency enforces employment discrimination laws and investigates charges? → Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
17. Which of the following is an example of a structural OD intervention? → Redesigning reporting hierarchies and job roles
18. The FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) provides eligible employees up to how many weeks of unpaid leave per year? → 12 weeks
19. What is 'positive discipline' as a workplace management approach? → Focusing on problem-solving and employee self-regulation rather than punitive measures
20. Kurt Lewin's change model consists of which three stages? → Unfreeze, Change, Refreeze
21. Which interview format uses pre-determined questions asked in the same order to all candidates? → Structured interview
22. Under IRCA (Immigration Reform and Control Act), employers must complete Form I-9 to verify what? → Employee's identity and work authorization in the US
23. What is 'on-the-job training' (OJT)? → Learning job skills through hands-on practice in the actual work environment
24. What does 'succession management' involve in leadership development? → Systematically identifying, developing, and retaining talent for critical leadership roles
25. What is 'time-to-fill' as a recruiting metric? → The number of days from job requisition approval to accepted offer
26. The concept of 'resistance to change' in OD is best managed by: → Involving employees in the change process and addressing their concerns
27. Which background check requires separate written authorization under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)? → Consumer reports from a third-party agency
28. What does 'quid pro quo' sexual harassment involve? → Conditioning employment benefits on submission to sexual demands
29. What is 'compa-ratio' in compensation management? → An employee's actual pay divided by the midpoint of their pay range
30. What is 'halo effect' as a performance appraisal bias? → Allowing one outstanding trait to positively influence ratings on all other dimensions