Human Resources & Organizational Development Flashcards

A long-tenured employee files a complaint alleging age discrimination after being passed over for a promotion given to a younger colleague. Under the ADEA, which element must the employee prove to establish a prima facie case?

Answer: The employee is 40+, was qualified, was rejected, and a younger person was selected

ADEA prima facie case requires: membership in protected class (40+), qualified for position, adverse action, and replacement by or preference for a younger person.

Which organizational design principle best supports an executive director's goal of increasing departmental agility and decision-making speed?

Answer: Pushing decision authority to the lowest competent level (decentralization)

Decentralization empowers staff closest to the work to make decisions quickly, reducing bottlenecks and increasing organizational agility.

When building a diverse leadership pipeline, which hiring practice most effectively reduces unconscious bias in candidate selection?

Answer: Using structured interviews with standardized scoring rubrics

Structured interviews with standardized rubrics ensure all candidates are evaluated on the same criteria, minimizing the impact of unconscious bias.

An executive director wants to assess organizational health before launching a strategic planning process. Which tool provides the most comprehensive diagnostic data?

Answer: A multi-stakeholder organizational assessment using surveys and interviews

A multi-stakeholder assessment captures staff, board, and community perspectives on culture, capacity, and alignment—essential inputs for strategic planning.

Under the WARN Act, what notification is required when a company with 100+ employees plans a mass layoff affecting 50+ workers?

Answer: 60 days written notice to affected employees, state, and local government

The WARN Act mandates 60 calendar days advance written notice to affected workers, the state dislocated worker unit, and the chief elected local official.

Which Herzberg motivational factor, when absent, causes dissatisfaction but when present does NOT necessarily motivate employees?

Answer: Company policy and salary (hygiene factors)

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory classifies salary and company policies as hygiene factors—their absence causes dissatisfaction, but their presence does not drive motivation.

An executive director is evaluating whether to promote internally or hire externally for a VP-level vacancy. Which factor most strongly favors internal promotion?

Answer: A strong internal candidate exists with demonstrated leadership competency and organizational knowledge

Internal promotion of a qualified candidate with proven leadership and organizational knowledge accelerates ramp-up time and signals investment in staff development.