UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT
Question 74: Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills
You have differences of opinion regarding the final report prepared by your subordinate that is to be submitted urgently. The subordinate is justifying the information given in the report. You would...
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a) or (c).
UPSC's key accepts (a) and (c). The report is urgent and you are answerable for it, so you either persuade the subordinate, with reasons, that the report needs changing (a), or, given the deadline, correct it yourself (c). Telling him not to defend his work (d) is dismissive, and asking him to reconsider (b) risks delay on an urgent report. Remember: in judgement questions, favour actions that keep the work on time without damaging the working relationship.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Accepted. Convincing him with reasons settles the difference and keeps the report on track.
- (b) Not accepted by the key. It is reasonable, but may cost time on an urgent report.
- (c) Accepted. As the senior responsible for the report, you can correct it yourself to meet the deadline.
- (d) Not accepted. Brushing aside his explanation as a mistake is high-handed and prejudges him.
Worth knowing: This is a judgement question; UPSC's key accepts (a) and (c), though asking the subordinate to recheck (b) is also defensible.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.