Critical Reasoning – Identify the Implicit Assumption(s) Statement: “Put a notice on the board that all employees should come to the office on time,” an officer tells his assistant. Assumptions: I. All employees come late. II. Employees read such notices on the board. III. Employees will follow the instructions.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Only II and III are implicit

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This workplace instruction targets punctuality via an official notice. We must identify which assumptions the officer necessarily relies on when issuing the directive to post a notice.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • An office notice will be posted, telling employees to be on time.
  • Assumption I: All employees come late.
  • Assumption II: Employees read notices on the board.
  • Assumption III: Employees will comply with the instruction.


Concept / Approach:
For any communication-based action to work, two minimal premises are required: reception (employees will read/receive the message) and compliance (at least a reasonable expectation that many will act accordingly). The claim that “all employees come late” is not necessary; even a subset coming late can justify the notice.


Step-by-Step Solution:

I is too strong; the problem may concern some employees only. Not implicit.II is necessary; if employees do not read the board, posting is pointless. Implicit.III is necessary; issuing a notice presumes it will influence behavior. Implicit.


Verification / Alternative check:

Negate II or III and the intervention becomes ineffective, contradicting the rationale for posting the notice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Any option including I assumes more than required.Options excluding II or III strip away communication or compliance assumptions that make the act rational.


Common Pitfalls:

Equating “problem exists” with “everyone is at fault.”


Final Answer:
Only II and III are implicit

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