M/s Zeman Ltd. deals in consumer goods. It employs 100 workers and 10 operative managers who give guidance and support to the workers while operating the machinery. The company has a policy of granting leave as per the requirements of the workers. Workers are generally granted leave on festivals and special occasions. Recently, at the Puja festival, it received a big order. Workers were keen to take Puja holidays while management was pressing hard for overtime. This matter was placed before the Personnel Manager, who called the meeting of operative managers by circulating a circular among the operative managers. Operative managers were told to inform the workers about the changes in the incentive plan which states payment of double wages for working overtime and triple wages for working on holidays. Workers, without any pressure, voluntarily took limited holidays and were able to increase their earnings by working overtime and on holidays. During the Board of Directors meeting, the Personnel Manager was asked to update the management to achieve higher output, meeting timely supplies without any confrontation with workers. The personnel manager replied, “I just used a carrot with a no-sticks approach”.
Which element of directing is highlighted by the fact that the Personnel manager influenced the behaviour of subordinates?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Leadership
Option (1) Supervision — Incorrect. Supervision is the day-to-day overseeing of workers on the job. Here that was done by the operative managers, not by the Personnel Manager.
Option (2) Motivation — Incorrect. The incentive plan was a tool of motivation, but the question speaks of the manager himself influencing the behaviour of his people.
Option (3) Leadership — Correct. Leadership is the process of influencing the behaviour of people so that they work willingly towards the goals of the organisation. The Personnel Manager got the workers to give up holidays and work overtime without any pressure or confrontation.
Option (4) Communication — Incorrect. Communication is the passing of information from one person to another. It is a means the leader uses, not the influence itself.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Leadership … Leadership is the process of influencing the behaviour of people by making them strive voluntarily towards achievement of organisational goals. Leadership indicates the ability of an individual to maintain good interpersonal relations with followers and motivate them to contribute for achieving organisational objectives.” |