OG - RC Passage2 - Q4

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OG - RC Passage2 - Q4

by fiza gupta » Tue Oct 18, 2016 1:44 am
In an attempt to improve the overall performance of clerical workers, many companies have introduced computerized performance monitoring and control systems (CPMCS) that record and report a worker's computer-driven activities. However, at least one study has shown that such monitoring may not be
having the desired effect. In the study, researchers asked monitored clerical workers and their supervisors how assessments of productivity affected supervisors' ratings of workers' performance. In contrast to unmonitored workers doing the same work, who without exception identified the most important element in their jobs
as customer service, the monitored workers and their supervisors all responded that productivity was the critical factor in assigning ratings. This finding suggested that there should have been a strong correlation between a monitored worker's productivity and the overall rating the worker received. However, measures of the relationship between overall rating and individual elements of performance clearly supported the conclusion that supervisors gave considerable weight to criteria such as attendance, accuracy, and indications of customer satisfaction.
It is possible that productivity may be a "hygiene factor"; that is, if it is too low, it will hurt the overall rating. But the evidence suggests that beyond the point at which productivity becomes "good enough," higher productivity per se is unlikely to improve a rating.

Q) The primary purpose of the passage is to\

A. explain the need for the introduction of an innovative strategy
B. discuss a study of the use of a particular method
C. recommend a course of action
D. resolved a difference of opinion
E. suggest an alternative approach

OA:B
Fiza Gupta

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by crackverbal » Tue Oct 25, 2016 1:26 am
Let us read the passage first.

The 1st sentence sets up a context for CPMCS. The second sentence starts with "however" - this indicates a change in tone of the author. The author states that studies show CPMCS may not have desired effect.
The next 2 sentences expand on the 2nd sentence.Okay, so far so good. I will quickly read through the next sentence. this sentence states an implication of the finding.

The sixth sentence starts with 'however'. This again suggests a shift in tone of the author. this goes against the suggestion of the findings in the 5th sentence. So, these measures suggest that CPMCS might not be so efficient after all. The rest of the passage gives a possible explanation to this by suggesting that productivity might just be a hygiene factor.

Note that the entire passage discusses this sentence - CPMCS may not have the desired effect. (2nd sentence).
Which answer option states this? Option B.

A - nowhere does the author talk about any "need". Also, we do not know if CPMCS is innovative.

B - correct answer. The passage discusses CPMCS.

C - the author discusses CPMCS, but nowhere does he/she recommend anything.

D - "difference of opinion" - suggests two opinions. What are those opinions? Also, the passage does not talk anything about "resolving".

E - The author does not give any alternative to CPMCS.
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