Human Resource Management – Practice Q&A for Business
Exams
Introduction
This 2025 study guide offers a comprehensive practice Q&A resource with 40 realistic, high-
yield questions (20 multiple-choice, 15 short-answer, 5 scenario-based), covering strategic HR,
talent management, diversity, analytics, and 2025 trends like AI, ESG, and the gig economy.
It provides verified answers, detailed explanations, and exam tips, optimized for Stuvia and
thorough preparation for business exams.
Practice Q&A for Business Exams
1. Multiple Choice: What is a core objective of strategic HRM in 2025? [2 marks]
A. Enforce uniform HR policies
B. Align HR with business strategy
C. Limit workforce innovation
D. Reduce talent investment
Correct Answer: B – Align HR with business strategy
Detailed Explanation: In 2025, strategic HRM aligns HR practices with business strat-
egy to drive organizational success, unlike enforcing uniformity, limiting innovation, or
reducing investment, which hinder strategic goals. Reflects Ulrich’s HR business partner
model.
Helpful Tip: Link “strategy” to SHRM. Avoid “uniform” or “limit” distractors by focus-
ing on business alignment.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
2. Multiple Choice: Which U.S. law regulates workplace safety? [2 marks]
A. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
B. Equal Pay Act
C. Family and Medical Leave Act
D. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Correct Answer: A – Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
Detailed Explanation: OSHA regulates workplace safety by setting safety standards, un-
like EPA (pay equity), FMLA (leave), or Title VII (discrimination). Violations risk fines,
per 2025 standards.
Helpful Tip: Link “safety” to OSHA. Avoid “pay” or “discrimination” distractors by fo-
cusing on workplace conditions.
Marking: 2 for A; 0 otherwise.
3. Multiple Choice: What drives motivation per Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs? [2
marks]
A. Fixed compensation structures
B. Progressive need fulfillment
C. Strict performance monitoring
D. Uniform task assignments
, Human Resource Management – Practice Q&A for Business Exams Page 2
Correct Answer: B – Progressive need fulfillment
Detailed Explanation: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs posits that motivation stems from
fulfilling needs progressively (physiological to self-actualization), unlike fixed compen-
sation, strict monitoring, or uniform tasks, which don’t address need levels. Links to
motivation frameworks.
Helpful Tip: Use “needs” to spot Maslow’s theory. Avoid “fixed” or “strict” distractors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
4. Multiple Choice: What is a benefit of structured interviews? [2 marks]
A. Increased hiring bias
B. Consistent candidate evaluation
C. Reduced selection accuracy
D. Informal assessment methods
Correct Answer: B – Consistent candidate evaluation
Detailed Explanation: Structured interviews ensure consistent candidate evaluation by
using standardized questions, unlike increasing bias, reducing accuracy, or using infor-
mal methods, which undermine hiring quality. 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 feature of 2025 performance management? [2 marks]
A. Annual review cycles
B. Continuous feedback loops
C. Generic performance goals
D. Limited employee input
Correct Answer: B – Continuous feedback loops
Detailed Explanation: In 2025, performance management features continuous feedback
loops to drive growth, unlike annual reviews, generic goals, or limited input, which re-
duce agility. Ties to agile HR principles.
Helpful Tip: Use “continuous” to identify 2025 performance management. Avoid “an-
nual” or “limited” distractors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
6. Multiple Choice: What is a goal of 2025 inclusion programs? [2 marks]
A. Reinforce workplace divisions
B. Promote equitable access
C. Limit diverse perspectives
D. Reduce cultural integration
Correct Answer: B – Promote equitable access
Detailed Explanation: In 2025, inclusion programs promote equitable access to opportu-
nities, unlike reinforcing divisions, limiting perspectives, or reducing integration, which
oppose DEI aims. Reflects social identity theory.
Helpful Tip: Link “equitable” to 2025 inclusion. Avoid “divisions” or “limit” distractors.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
7. Multiple Choice: What is a benefit of 2025 variable pay plans? [2 marks]
A. Reduced performance incentives