Assingments % - HR Selection, Onboarding, and Retention Strategies: Key Insights and Best Practices

In terms of who should participate in selection decision making (i.e., HR professionals vs. line managers), HR professionals would be least likely to __________.
Question 1 options:
make the hiring decision
represent the interests of employees to management
establish selection procedures
ensure relevant laws and regulations are being followed
Question 2 (2 points)

Effective onboarding should include __________.
Question 2 options:
sources of influence in the organization
all of the above
conducting active mentoring for the newcomer
integrating the newcomer into the work unit and team
Question 3 (2 points)

Which of the following is not one of the five-factor model (Big 5) personality traits?
Question 3 options:
Extroversion
Neuroticism
Conscientiousness
General mental ability
Question 4 (4 points)

Discuss 2 advantages to retaining employees who have (minor to moderate) performance issues. Briefly discuss your strategy for retention of these employees.
Question 4 options:

Question 5 (10 points)

Choose one of the jobs below. Briefly discuss: (1) how you would recruit applicants, (2) three selection tools you would use and why, and (3) what you could do to maximize retention in (3a) the first month of employment and (3b) the first 12 months of employment.

Fast Food Cashier Sales Associate at Car Dealership Paralegal
Question 5 options:

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Question 1:
HR professionals would be least likely to make the hiring decision.
✅ Correct Answer: “make the hiring decision”
Explanation: While HR professionals play a crucial role in establishing selection procedures, ensuring legal compliance, and representing employee interests, the final hiring decision is typically made by the line manager who will be supervising the new employee.

Question 2:
Effective onboarding should include all of the above.
✅ Correct Answer: “all of the above”
Explanation: A strong onboarding process integrates new employees into their work unit, provides mentorship, and helps them understand key influencers within the organization—all of which contribute to long-term retention and productivity.

Question 3:
The trait that is not one of the Big Five personality traits is General Mental Ability.
✅ Correct Answer: “General mental ability”
Explanation: The Big Five personality traits are:

Openness
Conscientiousness
Extraversion
Agreeableness
Neuroticism

General mental ability (GMA) refers to intelligence or cognitive ability, which is separate from personality traits.

Question 4:

Two Advantages of Retaining Employees with Minor to Moderate Performance Issues:

Cost Savings & Reduced Turnover – Hiring and training new employees is expensive. Retaining and coaching an existing employee can be more cost-effective.
Improvement Potential – Many performance issues can be resolved through training, mentorship, or job restructuring, leading to a more engaged and experienced workforce.

Retention Strategy:

Provide targeted training to address skill gaps.
Offer mentorship by pairing the employee with a high performer.
Set clear expectations and provide regular feedback with achievable improvement goals.

Question 5:

Chosen Job: Fast Food Cashier

1. Recruitment Strategy:

Use online job boards (Indeed, Snagajob) and social media.
Advertise through local schools and community centers.
Offer employee referral bonuses to encourage current staff to recommend candidates.

2. Selection Tools:

Situational Judgment Test (SJT): Assesses how candidates handle common customer service scenarios.
Structured Interviews: Ensures consistent, fair evaluation of soft skills and work ethic.
Work Sample Test: A short trial shift to observe speed, accuracy, and customer interaction.

3a. First Month Retention Strategies:

Comprehensive onboarding: Teach company policies, job expectations, and customer service skills.
Mentorship program: Pair new hires with experienced employees.
Recognition & feedback: Acknowledge early achievements to build confidence.

3b. First 12-Month Retention Strategies:

Career development: Offer training for supervisory roles.
Performance incentives: Bonuses for excellent customer service or productivity.
Flexible scheduling: Support work-life balance to reduce burnout.

Would you like me to refine or expand any of these responses?