PHRi Sample Questions Answers

Offshoring refers to relocating business operations or processes to a different country, usually to reduce costs or access specialized skills. According to HRCI, offshoring is a strategic decision that can lower expenses but may involve complexities such as managing cultural and regulatory differences.

Implementing programs like flexible working hours and allowances for specific life events enhances the employee value proposition (EVP), making the organization more attractive to current and potential employees. HRCI highlights the importance of a strong EVP in improving employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.

Work-life balance is a significant factor in employee retention, as it impacts job satisfaction and overall well-being. HRCI advises organizations to promote work-life balance initiatives to enhance employee engagement and reduce turnover, as employees are more likely to stay in roles that support their personal needs.

The separation rate is calculated as:

A math problem with numbers Description automatically generatedHRCI notes that monitoring separation rates is essential for understanding turnover and retention issues, especially for newly hired employees.

To find the percentage of applicants hired:

A number of numbers and a number of numbers Description automatically generated with medium confidenceHRCI guidelines suggest that analyzing hiring ratios helps HR measure recruitment efficiency.

Succession planning informs training and development by identifying high-potential employees and tailoring developmental programs to prepare them for future roles. According to HRCI, aligning succession planning with training ensures that the organization has a pipeline of skilled employees ready to step into key positions.

The hiring rate is calculated as:

A number of numbers and a number of numbers Description automatically generated with medium confidence

HRCI highlights that measuring the hiring rate can help assess the effectiveness of recruitment efforts.

During reorganization, it is crucial to keep employees informed and allow them to respond to changes. HRCI emphasizes that effective communication during organizational change helps manage employee concerns, reduces uncertainty, and fosters a sense of involvement, which can lead to a smoother transition.

Using a self-service module for requests streamlines data collection, allowing HR to efficiently track and manage employee participation in programs. HRCI suggests that self-service systems enhance operational efficiency by reducing administrative workload and improving data accuracy in tracking employee engagement.

Onboarding is a comprehensive process that helps employees gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to succeed within an organization. According to HRCI, onboarding extends beyond initial orientation by ensuring new hires are fully integrated into the company’s culture and operations.

Employment records are crucial for compliance with legal requirements, such as documentation for hiring, terminations, and employee history. HRCI underscores the importance of accurate record-keeping to ensure compliance with labor laws and protect against potential legal issues.

To calculate the cost per interview:

A number of numbers and lines Description automatically generated with medium confidence

According to HRCI, knowing the cost per interview allows organizations to budget effectively for recruitment.

Social responsibility reflects an organization’s commitment to positively impact its community and environment through ethical practices, philanthropy, and sustainable operations. According to HRCI, social responsibility enhances brand reputation and promotes long-term organizational success.

The first action HR should take is to follow policy guidelines by meeting with the employee to discuss the concern. HRCI guidelines stress the importance of following policies to handle sensitive issues like substance abuse appropriately and legally.

Job design involves structuring tasks, responsibilities, and other elements to create a coherent and efficient unit of work. According to HRCI, job design is crucial for improving productivity, job satisfaction, and alignment with organizational goals by tailoring roles to meet operational needs.

People are more likely to embrace change if they understand its benefits and the value it brings. HRCI notes that clear communication about the purpose and value of training or change initiatives is essential in overcoming resistance and encouraging participation.

The compa-ratio is calculated as:

Compa-ratio=(Employee SalaryMedian Salary)×100\text{Compa-ratio} = \left(\frac{\text{Employee Salary}}{\text{Median Salary}}\right) \times 100Compa-ratio=(Median SalaryEmployee Salary​)×100 Compa-ratio=(65,00080,000)×100=81%\text{Compa-ratio} = \left(\frac{65,000}{80,000}\right) \times 100 = 81\%Compa-ratio=(80,00065,000​)×100=81%

A compa-ratio of 81% indicates that the employee’s salary is below the median for the job. HRCI advises using compa-ratio analysis to assess pay competitiveness and equity within an organization.

Here is the correct order for the succession planning process steps:

Establish present and future leadership roles

Identify high-potential employees

Evaluate the performance of high-potential employees

Build and review development plans

Assess the effectiveness of the planning process

This order follows the logical progression in succession planning, starting with defining leadership needs, identifying potential successors, assessing their capabilities, developing them, and finally evaluating the process to ensure effectiveness.

Step 1: Establish Present and Future Leadership Roles

The first step in succession planning is to identify the key leadership roles within the organization that need to be filled now or may need filling in the future. This includes both current leadership positions and potential roles that may emerge as the organization grows or changes. According to HRCI guidelines, defining these roles helps HR and leadership understand the skills, competencies, and experiences required for each position, providing a foundation for succession planning.

Step 2: Identify High-Potential Employees

Once the roles are defined, the next step is to identify employees who have the potential to take on these leadership roles. High-potential employees are those who demonstrate strong performance, leadership abilities, and the capacity to grow within the organization. Identifying such employees early allows the organization to focus on individuals who can be groomed for future roles. HRCI emphasizes that identifying high-potential employees is critical to ensure a pool of ready candidates for succession.

Step 3: Evaluate the Performance of High-Potential Employees

After identifying high-potential employees, it’s essential to evaluate their current performance in their existing roles. This step involves assessing their competencies, leadership skills, and readiness for more responsibility. Evaluation can be done through performance reviews, feedback from supervisors, and assessment tools. According to HRCI, this step helps organizations ensure that candidates have a solid track record and possess the qualities needed to succeed in more demanding roles.

Step 4: Build and Review Development Plans

With evaluations complete, the next step is to create tailored development plans for each high-potential employee. Development plans may include training, mentoring, stretch assignments, and other growth opportunities. The goal is to close skill gaps and prepare these employees for the demands of leadership roles. HRCI advises that development plans should be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the employee's progress and any changes in the organization’s needs.

Step 5: Assess the Effectiveness of the Planning Process

The final step is to evaluate the succession planning process itself to determine its effectiveness. This involves assessing whether the high-potential employees are developing as expected, if the development plans are achieving the desired results, and if the organization is prepared for potential leadership transitions. According to HRCI, assessing the process helps identify areas for improvement and ensures that the succession plan aligns with the organization’s long-term goals.

Obtaining signatures on a memo serves as an acknowledgment that employees have received and understood the information. This is particularly important for compliance and record-keeping. HRCI emphasizes that having employees sign for acknowledgment ensures clear communication and helps avoid misunderstandings about new policies or programs.

The ILO’s Equal Remuneration Convention advocates for equal pay for men and women performing work of equal value, promoting gender equality in compensation. HRCI notes that thisprinciple supports fair pay practices and reduces pay disparities based on gender.

Company-sponsored events, such as team-building activities and social gatherings, help improve employee morale by fostering a positive work environment and promoting collaboration. HRCI highlights that these events can strengthen team dynamics and enhance employee satisfaction, contributing to better retention.

The first step is to document the complaint and initiate an investigation. HRCI guidelines suggestthat documentation is critical for legal and procedural purposes, and an investigation helps HR address the complaint objectively and confidentially.

Performance goals specify what an employee is expected to achieve within a set period, providing clear targets. HRCI emphasizes that setting performance goals helps employees focus on keyresponsibilities and align their efforts with organizational objectives.

Ergonomics is a significant factor in job design as it focuses on creating a safe and efficient work environment that reduces strain and injury. HRCI explains that considering ergonomics in job design enhances productivity and reduces health risks, contributing to better employee well-being and satisfaction.

Employee engagement refers to the emotional commitment employees have to their organization, motivating them to give their best. HRCI notes that engagement drives productivity, reduces turnover, and enhances overall organizational performance by fostering a dedicated and motivated workforce.

When selecting an external recruitment method, HR managers should consider the type of job being filled. Different roles require different recruiting strategies. For example, specialized technical roles may benefit from industry-specific job boards, while entry-level roles might use general job sites or social media platforms. According to HRCI guidelines, understanding the role's requirements allows HR managers to choose a recruiting method that effectively reaches the target audience, enhancing the chances of finding suitable candidates efficiently.

Data auditing involves regularly checking data entries for accuracy and consistency, helping to prevent errors in HRIS. According to HRCI, data auditing is crucial for maintaining high-quality data, which supports effective decision-making and compliance.

The employee handbook is a formal document that typically includes policies about communication monitoring, ensuring that employees are informed of these policies from the outset. HRCI advises clear documentation of monitoring policies to maintain transparency and legal compliance.

Legal requirements dictate the retention period and proper disposal of employee records. HRCI emphasizes the importance of compliance with legal mandates in managing employee records to avoid liabilities and ensure data protection.

Defining the goals of an employee survey is essential to ensure the survey’s purpose aligns with organizational objectives. HRCI emphasizes that clear goals guide the survey design, focusing on gathering meaningful data that can be used for decision-making and improvements.

A compensation strategy that pays above the market rate is often used to attract and retain top talent, especially in competitive industries. According to HRCI, compensation strategies align pay practices with organizational goals, helping to position the company as an employer of choice.