UPSC Prelims 2012 · CSAT

Question 76: Decision Making and Interpersonal Skills

You are handling a time-bound project. During the project review meeting, you find that the project is likely to get delayed due to lack of cooperation of the team members. You would...

aWarn the team members for their non-cooperation.

bLook into reasons for non-cooperation.

cAsk for the replacement of team members.

dAsk for extension of time citing reasons.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a) or (b).

UPSC's key accepts (a) and (b). Lack of cooperation threatens a time-bound project, so you should find out why it is happening (b) and make clear that non-cooperation has consequences (a). Both act on the cause within your own role. Replacing team members (c) is drastic, and seeking an extension (d) avoids the problem instead of solving it. Remember: deal with the cause first, and escalate or ask for relief later.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Accepted. A warning makes clear that non-cooperation is not acceptable on a time-bound project.
(b) Accepted. Finding the reasons lets you remove the real obstacle.
(c) Not accepted. Replacement is drastic and premature without knowing the cause.
(d) Not accepted. An extension avoids the problem rather than dealing with it.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2012, General Studies Paper II (CSAT), Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.