HR Assignment

Exam Format & Guidelines

Each examination consists of two pairs of questions. Students should answer one question from each pair.  For example:

Question
1.  Choose either A or B

  A…

  B…

Students
should type the questions selected on a separate page which will serve as a cover page for the question.  For
example:

Question
1A

Type the text of the question.  This page will accompany each question.  Do not number this page.  In addition, please put your name and student ID number on the cover page of each question.

The answer to each question is to be between 2500-3000 words. This total includes text only,and does not include the cover page and reference page.  All essays should double-spaced.  Students using typewriters should use
standard pica or elite type.  Students using computers should use 12-point size font. The following typefaces are accepted: Times New Roman and Courier New.  Margins on all four sides (top,bottom, left and right) should be one inch. 
Students should use printers that produce type that is dark, clear, and readable.  Failure to follow these guidelines will result in failing the exam.

Students must follow the American Psychological Association (APA) style for writing papers. 
However, you do not need to include a running head or an abstract.  You are required to include page numbers.

Content

Students should focus on answering only the question asked.  Make sure the answer stays on the topic and does not include tangential issues or information.  The answers must reflect the student’s personal integration of several specifically identified concepts rather than a mere review of the literature.  Generalizations should be carefully supported with specific examples.  The subjects assigned should be addressed in some depth.  Main points should be stated
clearly, documented with references to the literature by citations in the text, and illustrated by specific examples. 
Students should clearly explain how the point(s) and the example(s) are connected with the assigned question.

Responses should be written in inclusive language that is non-sexist and non-racist. (Refer to “Guidelines to Reduce Bias in Language,” pages 46-60 in the 5th edition of the APA Publication Manual, or refer to the 6th Edition of the APA
Publication Manual.)  You may use the first person (the word “I”).

Students
are to cite specific references within the text of the answer and to include a reference list.  Each answer must contain
references from 7 different scholarly sources.  The same sources can be used in both questions if appropriate.  Each answer should contain its own reference page, which is in addition to the essay.  It is important to cite the scholars who have contributed to an area of inquiry.  Use scholarly books and journals and avoid using popular magazines or non-academic Internet sites as sources for your research. Do not use Wikipedia.  You may use the same source in more than one essay.  Failure to properly cite material that you are directly quoting or paraphrasing will result in a charge of academic misconduct. 

Using Inclusive Language

Avoid using sexist language as the following:

1.  The client is usually the best judge of the value of his counseling.

2.  Man’s search for knowledge has led him into ways of learning that bear examination.

3.  Some examples of other sexist terms are: man and wife; mankind; the average man; man the project; man-machine interface; and manpower.

Examples
of appropriate language:

1.   The client is usually the best judge of the value of counseling.

2.   The search for knowledge has led us into ways of learning that bear examination.

3.  Some examples of appropriate language: husband and wife; people; human beings; humankind; the average person; people in general; staff a project; hire personnel; user-system interface; person-system interface; work force; human resources.

Quotations should be used sparingly and only to support your ideas. Quotations should not be used to make your arguments for you.  If you use too many quotes, we will not be able to ascertain if you understand the concepts about which you are writing.  Therefore, even if your answer is accurate, you will still fail the exam. 

ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS
Question 1:  Answer A or B

A. Kornblum and Julian identify terrorism as a social problem.  In what way is terrorism a current problem? What is
its recent history? How can Americans best protect themselves against the threat of terrorism? What is Human Relations role in this?

B. In Heil, Bennis and Stephen’s (2000) text Douglas McGregor, Revisited: Managing the Human Side of Enterprise the authors state that “Douglas McGregor’s significance was in applying a better understanding of how people
behave in the business world” (p. vii). Discuss McGregor’s contribution to organizational theory.

Question 2:  Answer A or B

A.  What are the basic factors involved in organizational change?  Using a change model write a proposal that would increase diversity in an organization.  Discuss the strategies that might be used by the practitioner to bring about the desired change.

B.    Teams and teamwork receive more and more attention in the study of Organizational Behavior.  Why is that so?  What are the characteristics of a high performing work team?