CHRO Conversations: Tracy Keogh, HP, Inc. This activity is important because the overall responsibilities of Human Resources include the need to create an environment that allows employees to thrive and be creative. HR must monitor the external environment and react to changes to ensure the company is remaining competitive. In order to accomplish these goals, HR employees must have certain competencies and practice certain work behaviors.
The goal of this activity is to help you understand the role that HR takes in managing an environment conducive to providing a high-energy workforce that has the necessary tools and structure to lead an organization to a highly competitive market position. An equally important goal is to understand the experiences and competencies desired to be an effective HR associate.
1. Strategic challenges for HP, Inc. due to the accelerating pace of change include all of the following except:.
A. slowing down innovation to reduce employee turnover.
B. managing resources effectively.
C. staying ahead in their market and industry.
D. dealing with global competition.
E. staying relevant and having the greatest impact as a business.
2. According to Tracy, HR touches every aspect of the business and is a critical driver of success in the business. Which one of the following is not a way that HR can help contribute to the success of the business?
A. training and developing employees in a way that can drive innovation
B. creating an environment where employees can do their best work
C. controlling innovation to better manage cost outputs
D. evaluating rewards and recognition to drive the right behaviors
E. evaluating organizational structure to be sure it is effective
3. According to Tracy, which of the following competencies is looked for and desired in HR professionals?
A. employees who need to still build their business acumen and are not yet fully aware of HR functions
B. employees who are curious and always learning
C. employees who have not previously been in different business functions so they have a fresh and unbiased view of HR
D. employees who are willing to learn consultative skills
E. employees who are not mission-driven so they can make HR their major focus
4. For employees interested in joining HR as a profession, Tracy gives the following advice.
A. Employees should go directly into HR and not serve in other areas first so as to reduce distracting signals in the office environment.
B. HR may not be the place to be if one aspires to higher positions at a later point in their career.
C. HR employees should have sales and marketing experience before entering the field.
D. Employees should have jobs in other areas and bring those experiences with them as that will make for a better HR leader.
E. HR employees should not plan to stay in the field long term.
5. Tracy stated that forward-thinking companies rotate their leaders through HR before making them so they are more effective in their later roles.
a. senior executives
b. partners
c. analysts
d. first line supervisors
e. auditors