Mixed Deck — All SHRM-CP Topics Flashcards

Which law requires employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of every employee hired in the United States?

Answer: Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) — enforced via I-9 form

IRCA requires all US employers to complete Form I-9 to verify the employment eligibility of every person they hire, regardless of citizenship.

Which of the following best describes the 'just cause' standard for employee termination?

Answer: Termination requiring a sufficient reason and fair investigative procedures

Just cause requires employers to have a legitimate, documented reason for termination and to follow fair, consistent procedures before acting.

Which selection tool should be used to fill a vacancy that requires managing multiple priorities and working under pressure?

Answer: Behavioral assessment

Explanation: Behavioral assessments provide a systematic evaluation of candidate personality profiles used to gauge the viability of a candidate based on things like work style and potential, which are useful when trying to gauge whether a candidate can manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. This is based on the assumption that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.

Coaching as an HR development intervention differs from mentoring primarily because coaching:

Answer: Focuses on specific skill development and performance goals through a structured process

Coaching is goal-directed and structured, focused on improving specific competencies or performance outcomes within a defined timeframe.

A competency model in talent management defines:

Answer: The knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required for successful performance in a role or organization

Competency models describe the full profile of capabilities and behaviors associated with high performance, guiding hiring, development, and performance management.

Which learning delivery method is MOST appropriate for developing complex problem-solving skills in a realistic context?

Answer: Case studies and simulation exercises

Case studies and simulations replicate real-world complexity, requiring learners to apply knowledge and judgment in scenarios that mirror actual job challenges.

Which benefit is REQUIRED for employers under federal law in the United States?

Answer: Social Security and Medicare (FICA) contributions

FICA requires employers to withhold and match employee Social Security and Medicare taxes — this is a mandatory federal employer obligation.

Which federal law prohibits employers from interfering with employees' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining?

Answer: National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)

The NLRA (1935) establishes employees' rights to organize, form unions, and engage in collective bargaining free from employer interference.

Which federal law requires federal contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified individuals with disabilities?

Answer: Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act mandates affirmative action and non-discrimination for individuals with disabilities by federal contractors.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on which protected characteristics?

Answer: Race, color, religion, sex, and national origin

Title VII's five protected classes are race, color, religion, sex, and national origin — other characteristics are covered under separate laws.

Which of the following best describes the concept of HR as a strategic business partner?

Answer: HR proactively aligns people strategies with business goals and contributes to decision-making

A strategic business partner role means HR actively participates in shaping and executing organizational strategy.

When developing an emergency disaster plan, which activity occurs during a vulnerability analysis?

Answer: Determining the likelihood of potential hazards and their effects on the business

Explanation: To conduct a vulnerability analysis, a company must examine the hazards within the company and the community in which the business is located and consider crises that have occurred in the past or that may result from the geographic location of the business or from technological or human error. Businesses should then determine the likelihood of facing those hazards and the severity of the consequences they would have on the business.

The 70-20-10 learning model suggests that most effective development comes from:

Answer: 70% on-the-job experiences, 20% developmental relationships, 10% formal training

The 70-20-10 model holds that the most impactful learning comes from stretch assignments and experience, supplemented by relationships and formal training.

Which metric indicates that an organization's retention strategies are working most effectively?

Answer: High retention rate among top performers

Retaining top performers specifically indicates that the organization is successfully engaging its most valuable employees.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) requires employers to treat pregnancy:

Answer: The same as any other temporary disability or medical condition for all employment purposes

The PDA amended Title VII to require that pregnancy be treated the same as any comparable non-pregnancy medical condition in all employment decisions.

If a manager issues a written warning to an employee who comes in late to work because he concludes that the employee just wants to exert the least amount of effort to remain employed, which theory of motivation is he is utilizing?

Answer: Attribution theory

Explanation: According to the attribution theory of motivation, individuals judge people based on how they view the reason for their behavior. If the manager believes that the lateness is due to an external factor beyond the late employee's control (such as a labor strike that shuts down the public transportation the employee uses), then the manager may impose a lesser form of discipline or none at all. Here, because the manager attributes the lateness to a factor within the employee's control, he judges the conduct harshly.

Employment branding primarily impacts talent acquisition by:

Answer: Attracting candidates who align with the organization's culture and values

A strong employer brand communicates organizational culture and values, attracting candidates who are a better cultural fit.

Under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which of the following is considered a protected concerted activity?

Answer: An employee discussing wages with a coworker

The NLRA protects employees' rights to discuss wages and working conditions with coworkers as concerted activity for mutual aid and protection.

A company's mission statement changes to emphasize customer experience. HR should FIRST:

Answer: Review and adjust talent acquisition, performance, and training to reflect the new mission

Aligning talent practices to a new mission ensures employees understand and can execute the new strategic direction.

A gap analysis in workforce planning compares:

Answer: Current workforce capabilities to future workforce requirements

Gap analysis identifies the difference between the current state of workforce skills and the skills required to meet future strategic goals.