MPA Human Resources Management in Public Sector 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 created which two key institutions to oversee federal employee rights?
- OPM and OMB
- MSPB and OSC (Office of Special Counsel) (Correct answer)
- EEOC and OPM
- GAO and OPM
Correct answer: MSPB and OSC (Office of Special Counsel)
The 1978 reform act created the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) to adjudicate employee appeals and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to investigate prohibited personnel practices and protect whistleblowers.
Question 2: What is an 'adverse action' in federal civil service terminology?
- A disciplinary measure such as removal, demotion, or suspension for more than 14 days (Correct answer)
- Any negative performance review
- A reduction-in-force action affecting an entire agency
- A hostile work environment complaint filed by an employee
Correct answer: A disciplinary measure such as removal, demotion, or suspension for more than 14 days
In federal HR law, adverse actions are serious disciplinary measures (removal, suspension over 14 days, demotion, or furlough over 30 days) that carry formal due process protections and appeal rights.
Question 3: Which concept describes the practice of hiring on the basis of political loyalty or personal connections rather than merit?
- Spoils system (patronage) (Correct answer)
- Reduction in force (RIF)
- Veteran's preference
- Broadbanding
Correct answer: Spoils system (patronage)
The spoils system ('to the victor go the spoils') fills government positions with political supporters of the winning party rather than selecting employees based on qualifications and merit.
Question 4: What does 'veterans' preference' require in federal hiring?
- That all federal job openings be exclusively for veterans
- That eligible veterans receive additional points on civil service examinations and preference in hiring and retention (Correct answer)
- That veteran employees cannot be disciplined without congressional approval
- That veterans automatically qualify for senior executive positions
Correct answer: That eligible veterans receive additional points on civil service examinations and preference in hiring and retention
Veterans' preference grants eligible veterans extra points in competitive examining and preference in hiring and retention over non-veteran candidates with equal or lower scores.
Question 5: What is 'succession planning' in public sector HR?
- Planning the organizational chart for a new agency
- A proactive process of identifying and developing future leaders to fill key positions as they become vacant (Correct answer)
- Transitioning political appointees between administrations
- Creating emergency protocols for continuity of government
Correct answer: A proactive process of identifying and developing future leaders to fill key positions as they become vacant
Succession planning identifies critical positions and develops a pipeline of qualified employees who can step into leadership roles, ensuring organizational continuity despite retirements or departures.
Question 6: Which act prohibits federal employees from engaging in most forms of partisan political activity while on duty?
- The Hatch Act of 1939 (Correct answer)
- The Pendleton Act of 1883
- The Lloyd-La Follette Act of 1912
- The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978
Correct answer: The Hatch Act of 1939
The Hatch Act restricts federal and certain state/local employees from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty, in government facilities, or using government resources.
MPA Human Resources Management in Public Sector 2
The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 created which two key institutions to oversee federal employee rights?