Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

In an HR department, the division of responsibilities like recruiting and safety is an example of what?

1. Span of control

2. Hierarchy of authority

3. Division of labor

4. Generalists and specialists

The correct answer is: Division of labor

The division of responsibilities such as recruiting and safety within an HR department exemplifies the division of labor, which refers to the allocation of different tasks to different individuals or groups based on their skills and roles. This approach enhances efficiency and effectiveness, as specific tasks can be handled by those with expertise in a particular area. When responsibilities are divided in this way, it allows team members to specialize in their respective functions, leading to improved performance and productivity. For instance, a recruiter would focus on attracting and selecting candidates, while a safety officer might concentrate on ensuring compliance with safety regulations and promoting a safe workplace environment. In contrast, options like span of control, hierarchy of authority, and generalists and specialists focus on various structural elements within an organization but do not specifically address how responsibilities or tasks are divided among team members. Each of those concepts plays a role in organizational structure and management but does not capture the essence of distributing distinct functions as division of labor does.