UMC Leadership and Human Resources 2

Question 1

A utility manager notices a long-tenured employee's performance has declined following a departmental reorganization. Which approach best addresses this situation?

Accepted Answer

Schedule a private coaching conversation to identify underlying barriers

Answer

Issue a formal written warning immediately

Answer

Reassign the employee to a less critical role without discussion

Answer

Document the decline and wait for the annual performance review

Question 2

Which leadership theory proposes that leaders adjust their style based on the readiness and competence level of individual followers?

Accepted Answer

Situational leadership theory

Answer

Transformational leadership theory

Answer

Path-goal theory

Answer

Servant leadership theory

Question 3

A utility department is implementing a new SCADA system. Employees are resistant to change. What is the MOST effective first step a manager should take?

Accepted Answer

Communicate the business rationale and benefits of the new system clearly

Answer

Mandate training attendance and document non-compliance

Answer

Delay implementation until resistance subsides naturally

Answer

Replace resistant employees with external hires experienced with SCADA

Question 4

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which category of utility worker is typically classified as non-exempt?

Accepted Answer

A lineman earning hourly wages who works overtime

Answer

A department director earning $70,000 annually

Answer

A senior engineer with managerial discretion

Answer

An operations manager setting department policy

Question 5

In a utility organization with a unionized workforce, the process of resolving a formal employee complaint through a defined multi-step procedure is called:

Accepted Answer

A grievance procedure

Answer

Progressive discipline

Answer

Grievance arbitration

Answer

Collective bargaining

Question 6

Which motivation theory suggests that employees are motivated when they believe their effort will lead to performance, which in turn leads to valued rewards?

Accepted Answer

Vroom's expectancy theory

Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Answer

Herzberg's two-factor theory

Answer

McClelland's acquired needs theory

Question 7

A water utility is developing a succession plan for its aging workforce. Which action is MOST critical to include in the plan?

Accepted Answer

Identify high-potential employees and provide targeted development opportunities

Answer

Freeze hiring until current employees retire

Answer

Promote strictly by seniority to maintain morale

Answer

Outsource leadership roles to reduce costs