Solutions to Mid Exam – Human Resource Management (MGT 515)
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Registration Number: [Your Registration Number]
Question 1:
Diversity, when talking about it from the human resource management (HRM) perspective,
tends to focus more on a set of policies to meet compliance standards. The EEOC has the
authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers. Briefly explain each
element of discrimination in the perspective of EEOC.
Answer:
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) focuses on preventing
discrimination in workplaces. The major elements of discrimination under EEOC’s
perspective include:
1. Race and Color Discrimination: Prohibits discrimination against individuals based on race
or skin color, such as hiring or firing decisions influenced by these factors.
2. Gender Discrimination: Ensures equal treatment regardless of gender, including equal
pay for equal work and preventing gender stereotypes in job roles.
3. Age Discrimination: Protects individuals aged 40 or older from being discriminated
against based on their age in hiring, promotions, or other job decisions.
4. Disability Discrimination: Requires reasonable accommodations for individuals with
disabilities and prohibits job denial based on disability status.
5. Religious Discrimination: Protects employees from discrimination based on their
religious beliefs, practices, or the lack thereof, including accommodating religious practices.
6. National Origin Discrimination: Prevents discrimination against individuals based on
their birthplace, ethnicity, or cultural heritage.
The EEOC enforces compliance through investigations and penalties for employers who
violate these standards.
Question 2:
Define the Strategic Management Process. The environmental scan worksheet is a guide for
compiling information about the company’s environment. Briefly explain each element of
environmental scanning and SWOT analysis with generic examples.
Answer:
Strategic Management Process:
The Strategic Management Process is a systematic approach to setting goals, analyzing the
internal and external environments, formulating strategies, implementing them, and
evaluating performance. This process helps organizations achieve long-term objectives and
adapt to changing environments.
Elements of Environmental Scanning:
Environmental scanning involves analyzing internal and external factors that influence a
company. Key elements include:
1. Internal Environment: Factors within the company such as employee skills, financial
resources, and organizational culture.
Example: Assessing employee productivity to enhance operations.
2. External Environment: External factors that impact the company, like market trends,
economic conditions, and competitors.
Example: Analyzing competitor pricing strategies to remain competitive.
3. PEST Analysis: Political, Economic, Social, and Technological factors that shape the
external environment.
Example: A new law impacting business taxes falls under political analysis.
SWOT Analysis:
SWOT analysis evaluates a company’s:
1. Strengths: Internal factors that provide competitive advantages.
Example: A strong brand reputation or skilled workforce.
2. Weaknesses: Internal factors that hinder performance.
Example: Limited financial resources for expansion.
3. Opportunities: External factors the company can leverage for growth.
Example: Rising demand for eco-friendly products.
4. Threats: External factors that may negatively impact the company.
Example: Emerging competitors or unfavorable economic conditions.
By combining environmental scanning with SWOT analysis, companies can develop
strategic plans that align with their goals and market conditions.
