Critical Reasoning — Assumptions Statement: The head of the organization congratulated staff for reducing the deficit and urged them to give their best to attain a more profitable position in future. Assumptions to evaluate: I. Employees may be motivated to maintain or enhance their work level. II. Employees may relax now that the immediate deficit threat is lower.
Verbal Reasoning
Statement and Assumption
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AOnly assumption I is implicit
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BOnly assumption II is implicit
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CEither I or II is implicit
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DNeither I nor II is implicit
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EBoth I and II are implicit
Answer
Correct Answer: Only assumption I is implicit
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This is a motivation-and-goals scenario. Praising employees and urging continued effort is a classic attempt to reinforce performance and encourage future gains. The necessary assumption supports motivation, not complacency.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Action: Congratulate staff and urge best efforts toward profit.
- Assumption I: Such communication can motivate employees to sustain or increase performance.
- Assumption II: After praise, employees may relax and slow down because the deficit is reduced.
Concept / Approach:
- A communicator intends outcomes. The purpose of praise plus urging is to increase morale and maintain momentum—assumption I underpins this.
- Assumption II contradicts the intent of the speech and is not required for the action to be sensible.
Step-by-Step Solution:
The head expects a positive behavioral response to recognition and exhortation—this is Assumption I.Assumption II represents a risk, not a presumed truth; acknowledging the risk is different from assuming it to justify the action.Verification / Alternative check:
Remove I: The speech would lack purpose. Remove II: The speech retains purpose; thus II is not necessary.Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Only II / Either / Neither / Both fail to capture the motivational basis of the head’s address.Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a possible unintended effect (complacency) with the assumption behind a motivational message.Final Answer:
Only assumption I is implicit