Instructions

Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.

Abhishek, a student of a prestigious business school, gets interested in Payeasy, a fintech firm, after listening to a pre-placement talk by Neha Bhupati, a senior leader at the firm, and an alumna of the same business school. He joins Payeasy through campus placement. Neha plays a key role in recruiting him, seeing great potential in him.

Abhishek starts working in the digital payments vertical under Mukesh Kumar, who reports directly to Neha. Mukesh, Abhishek’s direct superior, is impressed by his performance and rates him very high in the first year. Abhishek understands that if Mukesh consistently rates him as “Excellent Performer” for the second year as well, his chances of getting promoted will improve. (The organization promotes individuals who are consistently rated as “Excellent Performer” for at least two years by their immediate superiors.)

Over time, Abhishek realizes that the learning opportunities in his current role have plateaued. Given his longstanding interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency, he starts exploring opportunities in that vertical within the company. This change is not possible without the consent of his immediate boss, Mukesh. When Abhishek brings this up with Mukesh, he acknowledges Abhishek’s curiosity and enthusiasm; however, he emphasizes how Abhishek’s competencies fit him rightly into the current vertical. Mukesh assures Abhishek of more challenging assignments in the future, provided he remains a good team player. Further, he shares his skepticism about the long-term prospects of cryptocurrency. Hence, Mukesh politely declines Abhishek’s request.

Question 34

After two years at Payeasy, Abhishek applies to a competing firm and is called for an interview. The hiring manager, Amit, is impressed with Abhishek and tells him that he will take the final decision to select Abhishek in a day or two. After the interview, Amit wants to know more about Abhishek since Abhishek will be leading a team of 15 people and his people management skills are very important for the team’s success. He calls Mukesh, Abhishek's superior. Mukesh is Amit's classmate who Amit trusts immensely. Mukesh informs Amit that though Abhishek is a good talent, he questions his superiors too often. Mukesh further shares that such a behavior makes it difficult for the superiors to manage the team.

Amit needs a good talent, but is confused if he should recruit Abhishek, given Mukesh’s assessment of Abhishek.

Which of the following data will BEST enable Amit to take a decision on Abhishek’s recruitment?

Solution

Amit must determine whether Abhishek’s tendency to question his superiors would be a liability in the new role, particularly because he would be leading a team of 15 people. Mukesh’s assessment suggests that Abhishek’s behaviour makes him difficult to manage, but its significance depends on the work culture of Amit’s organization. Option A is the correct answer, as an organization that encourages employees to express critical views without fear of consequences is more likely to value questioning and constructive dissent rather than perceive them as a challenge to authority. This information helps Amit assess Abhishek’s suitability in the context of his own organization, rather than relying solely on Mukesh’s assessment.

Option B may reduce Amit’s confidence in Mukesh’s judgement, but one past instance does not establish that Mukesh’s current assessment is unreliable. Option C suggests that the competing firm is attracting talent through higher salaries, but it does not help Amit evaluate Abhishek’s people management skills. Option D raises doubts about Mukesh’s objectivity, but being possessive of subordinates does not necessarily mean that his assessment is inaccurate. Option E indicates that Abhishek behaved well during the selection process, but his conduct towards recruiters does not establish how he handles disagreement or manages a team.

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