Maple Foods appointed an outsider as its sales head. Two senior salesmen of the firm had hoped to get this post. Both now feel that their own chances of moving up in the firm have been reduced.
Which limitation of the source used does this show?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Dissatisfaction among existing staff
Option (1) Danger of inbreeding — Incorrect. Inbreeding is a limitation of internal sources. Filling posts only by promotion stops new blood from coming in.
Option (2) Spirit of competition is hampered — Incorrect. This is also a limitation of internal sources. It arises when posts go only to insiders, so no one has to compete with outsiders.
Option (3) Lethargy due to time-bound promotions — Incorrect. This is a limitation of internal sources. Employees who are sure of time-bound promotions may become lethargic.
Option (4) Dissatisfaction among existing staff — Correct. Maple Foods used an external source. External recruitment may cause dissatisfaction and frustration among existing employees. They feel that their chances of promotion are reduced, as the two salesmen do here.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Limitations of Internal Sources … (i) When vacancies are filled through internal promotions, the scope for induction of fresh talent is reduced. Hence, complete reliance on internal recruitment involves danger of ‘inbreeding’ by stopping ‘infusion of new blood’ into the organisation; “Limitations of External Sources 1. Dissatisfaction among existing staff: External recruitment may lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among existing employees. They may feel that their chances of promotion are reduced.” |