Comprehension: Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Comprehension:
Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
No matter where you work, sometimes subtle and sometimes very obvious competition is a
part and parcel of workplaces. In an environment where most workers are seeking good
appraisals, awards, promotions and reputation, fairness is not always on the minds of
those competing with each other.
I recall a story in elementary school about how to make a line smaller without cutting it. Thhe
answer to the challenge is drawing a bigger line beside the first line so that the one already
drawn looks smaller automatically. Thhe moral of the story is that in order to win over
others, you don’t necessarily need to cut them down. Instead, you can make yourself bigger
by being better at the job or earning credibility fairly. Competition is inevitable, but to outshine
others, one way is to do a better job or advance yourself by learning and demonstrating
skills.
Some people resort to unfair means. Thhey throw colleagues, take credit for others’ work,
gossip, backbite, go out of their way to please the bosses and do favours outside of work to
earn favours at work, etc. When many employees at work take this approach, the culture of
the place becomes toxic over time where it is hard for people to trust each other and
contribute to a team environment.
Some workers either get frustrated and disengaged and ‘quietly quit’, that is, they stop
caring about work without actually quitting and do the bare minimum to not get fired. Some
others simply leave. But quitting is not an option for everyone, especially when their income
supports the family. Thhere are extreme scenarios where people have ended their lives or
suffered chronic mental or other health problems because they are unable to cope.
Because job hopping is not easy and not always a solution for everyone, changing the toxic
culture is important.
A human resources department that truly supports employees and their well-being, a strong
leadership and psychological safety at work that allows employees to speak up when they
see something wrong without the fear of being reprimanded are some important
prerequisites to achieve a work culture that is conducive to equitable growth opportunities
for all. Such a work environment would also make the organisation productive.
Which of the following would the writer NOT agree with?
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Correct answer: (D) Allowing bosses to have personal preferences
Explanation
The writer wants equitable growth opportunities, fairness and freedom to speak up. He criticises pleasing bosses and doing favours, so he would not support bosses having personal preferences.