Leadership and Human Resources Flashcards
7 cards from real UMC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Leadership and Human Resources flashcards as text
A utility manager notices a long-tenured employee's performance has declined following a departmental reorganization. Which approach best addresses this situation?
Answer: Schedule a private coaching conversation to identify underlying barriers
A private coaching conversation allows the manager to uncover root causes such as role confusion or morale issues before taking corrective action.
Which leadership theory proposes that leaders adjust their style based on the readiness and competence level of individual followers?
Answer: Situational leadership theory
Situational leadership theory, developed by Hersey and Blanchard, prescribes adapting leadership style to follower development level.
A utility department is implementing a new SCADA system. Employees are resistant to change. What is the MOST effective first step a manager should take?
Answer: Communicate the business rationale and benefits of the new system clearly
Clearly communicating the 'why' behind change reduces uncertainty and is recognized as the most critical first step in change management.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which category of utility worker is typically classified as non-exempt?
Answer: A lineman earning hourly wages who works overtime
Hourly workers who perform manual labor, such as linemen, are typically non-exempt under FLSA and must receive overtime pay.
In a utility organization with a unionized workforce, the process of resolving a formal employee complaint through a defined multi-step procedure is called:
Answer: A grievance procedure
A grievance procedure is the formal process defined in a collective bargaining agreement for employees to raise and resolve workplace complaints.
Which motivation theory suggests that employees are motivated when they believe their effort will lead to performance, which in turn leads to valued rewards?
Answer: Vroom's expectancy theory
Vroom's expectancy theory links motivation to the perceived connection between effort, performance, and reward (E→P→O).
A water utility is developing a succession plan for its aging workforce. Which action is MOST critical to include in the plan?
Answer: Identify high-potential employees and provide targeted development opportunities
Identifying and developing high-potential employees ensures organizational knowledge and leadership capacity are retained during workforce transitions.