MPA Human Resources Management in Public Sector 3

Question 1

What is 'broadbanding' in public sector compensation systems?

Accepted Answer

Consolidating many narrow pay grades into a few wide salary bands, giving managers more flexibility in pay decisions

Answer

Broadbanding merges multiple narrow pay grades into fewer, wider bands, giving agencies more flexibility to recognize performance and skill differences within the same band.

Question 2

In federal employment law, what is the purpose of the 'reduction in force' (RIF) process?

Accepted Answer

A structured process for laying off employees based on objective criteria (tenure, veterans' preference, performance) when positions are eliminated

Answer

RIF procedures ensure that workforce downsizing follows objective rules about order of separation based on tenure, veterans' preference, and performance ratings, protecting merit system principles.

Question 3

What does 'comparable worth' (pay equity) theory argue in public sector compensation?

Accepted Answer

That jobs of similar value to the organization should be paid similarly, addressing gender-based pay disparities between different job categories

Answer

Comparable worth argues that jobs predominantly held by women and jobs of equivalent skill/responsibility held by men should receive equal pay, addressing structural gender wage gaps across different occupations.

Question 4

Which performance management concept involves employees and supervisors jointly establishing specific, measurable performance targets at the start of the evaluation period?

Accepted Answer

Management by objectives (MBO)

Answer

Management by Objectives (MBO), associated with Peter Drucker, involves supervisors and employees jointly setting specific, measurable goals that then form the basis for performance evaluation.

Question 5

The 'glass ceiling' concept in public sector organizations refers to:

Accepted Answer

Invisible barriers that prevent women and minorities from advancing to senior leadership positions

Answer

The glass ceiling describes invisible structural and cultural barriers that block women and minority group members from rising to the top of organizational hierarchies despite their qualifications.

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA - Master of Public Administration Practice Test

MPA Human Resources Management in Public Sector 3