Human Resource Management – Full-Length Q&A Practice
Exam
Introduction
This 2025 study guide simulates a full-length HRM exam with 40 high-yield questions (20
multiple-choice, 15 short-answer, 5 scenario-based), covering strategic HR, talent management,
diversity, analytics, and emerging trends like AI and ESG. It provides verified answers, detailed
explanations, and exam tips, optimized for Stuvia upload and comprehensive exam preparation.
Full-Length Practice Exam Questions & Answers
1. Multiple Choice: What is the main purpose of strategic HRM? [2 marks]
A. Centralize HR operations
B. Drive organizational performance
C. Restrict workforce flexibility
D. Minimize training investments
Correct Answer: B – Drive organizational performance
Detailed Explanation: Strategic HRM drives organizational performance by aligning HR
practices with business objectives, unlike centralizing operations, restricting flexibility, or
minimizing training, which hinder strategic goals. Reflects Ulrich’s HR business partner
model.
Helpful Tip: Link “performance” to SHRM. Avoid “centralize” or “restrict” distractors
by focusing on business objectives.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
2. Multiple Choice: Which U.S. law prohibits age discrimination? [2 marks]
A. Fair Labor Standards Act
B. Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
C. Family and Medical Leave Act
D. Occupational Safety and Health Act
Correct Answer: B – Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
Detailed Explanation: The ADEA prohibits age discrimination for employees over 40,
unlike FLSA (wages), FMLA (leave), or OSHA (safety). Non-compliance risks lawsuits,
per 2025 labor laws.
Helpful Tip: Link “age” to ADEA. Avoid “leave” or “safety” distractors by focusing on
discrimination.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
3. Multiple Choice: What drives motivation per Alderfer’s ERG Theory? [2 marks]
A. Uniform reward systems
B. Existence, relatedness, growth needs
C. Strict performance metrics
D. Standardized role definitions
Correct Answer: B – Existence, relatedness, growth needs
Detailed Explanation: Alderfer’s ERG Theory identifies existence, relatedness, and growth
, Human Resource Management – Full-Length Q&A Practice Exam Page 2
needs as motivators, unlike uniform rewards, strict metrics, or standardized roles, which
don’t address these needs. Links to motivation frameworks.
Helpful Tip: Use “relatedness” to spot ERG Theory. Avoid “uniform” or “strict” distrac-
tors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
4. Multiple Choice: What is a benefit of structured interviews? [2 marks]
A. Increased subjective bias
B. Consistent candidate evaluation
C. Reduced role clarity
D. Informal assessment standards
Correct Answer: B – Consistent candidate evaluation
Detailed Explanation: Structured interviews ensure consistent candidate evaluation through
standardized questions, unlike increasing bias, reducing clarity, or using informal stan-
dards, which undermine fairness. Aligns with evidence-based recruitment.
Helpful Tip: Link “consistent” to structured interviews. Avoid “bias” or “informal” dis-
tractors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
5. Multiple Choice: What is a key feature of modern HR systems? [2 marks]
A. Annual performance cycles
B. Data-driven talent insights
C. Generic evaluation criteria
D. Limited feedback mechanisms
Correct Answer: B – Data-driven talent insights
Detailed Explanation: Modern HR systems leverage data-driven talent insights for strate-
gic decisions, unlike annual cycles, generic criteria, or limited feedback, which reduce
effectiveness. Ties to HR analytics principles.
Helpful Tip: Use “data-driven” to identify modern HR. Avoid “annual” or “limited” dis-
tractors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
6. Multiple Choice: What is a primary aim of inclusion initiatives? [2 marks]
A. Reinforce workplace hierarchies
B. Cultivate equitable environments
C. Limit diverse representation
D. Reduce collaborative efforts
Correct Answer: B – Cultivate equitable environments
Detailed Explanation: Inclusion initiatives cultivate equitable environments to promote
fairness, unlike reinforcing hierarchies, limiting representation, or reducing collaboration,
which oppose DEI goals. Reflects social identity theory.
Helpful Tip: Link “equitable” to inclusion. Avoid “hierarchies” or “limit” distractors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
7. Multiple Choice: What is a benefit of variable pay structures? [2 marks]
A. Reduced performance incentives
B. Enhanced motivation alignment
C. Increased pay inequities