OG 12 - 102

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OG 12 - 102

by agarwalva » Fri May 11, 2012 3:56 pm
The majority of successful senior managers do not closely follow the classical rational model of first clarifying goals, assessing the problem, formulating options, estimating likelihoods of success, making a decision, and only then taking action to implement
the decision. Rather, in their day-by-day tactical maneuvers, these senior executives rely on what is
vaguely termed "intuition" to manage a network of interrelated problems that require them to deal with ambiguity, inconsistency, novelty, and surprise; and to integrate action into the process of thinking.
Generations of writers on management have recognized that some practicing managers rely heavily on intuition. In general, however, such writers display a poor grasp of what intuition is. Some see it as the opposite of rationality; others view it as an excuse for capriciousness.

Isenberg's recent research on the cognitive processes of senior managers reveals that managers' intuition is neither of these. Rather, senior managers use intuition in at least five distinct
ways. First, they intuitively sense when a problem exists. Second, managers rely on intuition to
perform well-learned behavior patterns rapidly. This intuition is not arbitrary or irrational, but is based on years of painstaking practice and hands-on experience that build skills. A third function of intuition is to synthesize isolated bits of data and practice into an integrated picture, often in
an "Aha!" experience. Fourth, some managers use intuition as a check on the results of more rational
analysis. Most senior executives are familiar with the formal decision analysis models and tools,
and those who use such systematic methods for reaching decisions are occasionally leery of
solutions suggested by these methods which run counter to their sense of the correct course of
action. Finally, managers can use intuition to bypass in-depth analysis and move rapidly to engender a plausible solution. Used in this way, intuition is an almost instantaneous cognitive process in which a manager recognizes familiar patterns.

One of the implications of the intuitive style of executive management is that "thinking" is
inseparable from acting. Since managers often "know" what is right before they can analyze and explain it, they frequently act first and explain later. Analysis is
inextricably tied to action in thinking/acting cycles,in which managers develop thoughts about their
companies and organizations not by analyzing a problematic situation and then acting, but by acting
and analyzing in close concert. Given the great uncertainty of many of the management issues that
they face, senior managers often instigate a course of action simply to learn more about an issue.
They then use the results of the action to develop a more complete understanding of the issue. One
implication of thinking/acting cycles is that action is often part of defining the problem, not just of implementing the solution.


102. The passage provides support for which of the
following statements?
(A) Managers who rely on intuition are more successful than those who rely on formal
decision analysis.

(B) Managers cannot justify their intuitive decisions.

(C) Managers' intuition works contrary to their
rational and analytical skills.

(D) Logical analysis of a problem increases the
number of possible solutions.

(E) Intuition enables managers to employ their
practical experience more efficiently.

OA E..
i thought A and D are close .
PLease explain
Source: — Reading Comprehension |

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by Birottam Dutta » Sat May 12, 2012 2:30 am
A is inferring a bit too much. The passage does not say that managers who use intution are more successful than the ones who don't.

D is not mentioned anywhere in the passage and hence is totally incorrect.

However, the passage does say that using of intution comes with the thinking and acting cycles and come with years of experience and gaining hands-on skills. So it does mean that using intution entails using of practical experience. Hence, E is absolutely correct.

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by AdhirajPoddar » Wed Oct 03, 2012 12:43 am
The majority of successful senior managers do not closely follow the classical rational model of first clarifying goals, assessing the problem, formulating options, estimating likelihoods of success, making a decision, and only then taking action to implement
the decision. Rather, in their day-by-day tactical maneuvers, these senior executives rely on what is
vaguely termed "intuition"

Does this not mean that senior managers who use intuition are more successful than those who do not?

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by anuprajan5 » Wed Oct 03, 2012 1:44 am
Adhiraj,

It means that the majority use intuition rather than the classical rational model. Nowhere does this relate to them being more successful than those who do not.

option D: That would just be an assumption. It is not directly mentioned in this passage. This is more of an inference question and we should only use what is present in the passage. (and not make our own assumptions)

option E: Second, managers rely on intuition to perform well-learned behavior patterns rapidly - This relates to the option.

Regards
Anup