GMAT Exam  >  GMAT Questions  >  As a result of changes in cultural norms and ... Start Learning for Free
As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.
Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?
  • a)
    Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.
  • b)
    A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.
  • c)
    The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.
  • d)
    The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.
  • e)
    The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique fina...
Firm management believes that flex-time will help meet three goals: (1) decrease total costs (2) increase productivity (3) improve product quality.
If the firm's research work requires considerable in-person collaboration, three hours a day of time together will not be sufficient and the firm's plan will lead to decreases in productivity and product quality. This will weaken the management's argument since its plan will not achieve two of its three goals.
A. The presence of new costs associated with flex-time does not weaken the argument that flex-time will decrease total cost as it may well be the case that cost savings outweigh cost increases. In other words, this answer only deals with one side of the equation (cost increases) and not the other side (cost decreases). Consequently, the answer does not enable us to conclude that the argument is weakened since it is entirely possible that on balance, costs will be reduced.
B. Since the firm abandoned it for "unknown reasons," we cannot make a conclusion about the affect of flex-time on costs, productivity, and product quality. It is entirely possible that the competitor abandoned flex-time for reasons not related to these three reasons and, therefore, for reasons not relevant to the argument of the management of the boutique research firm.
C. Since the firm in question performs work that requires frequent and in-person collaboration, it is reasonable to infer that cutting the time spent together at work down from 9 to 3 hours will have a considerable affect on productivity and quality as workers will have severely restricted access to a crucial component of their work (i.e., co-workers).
D. This answer strengthens the argument instead of weakening it. Further, using one employee's situation as an example is not the best grounds to critique an argument.
E. The duration of the project (in and of itself) has nothing to do with costs, productivity, or product quality. Given the information in the question and in this answer, an argument could be made that flex-time will increase quality (employees enjoy their work more with flex-time and work harder).
View all questions of this test
Most Upvoted Answer
As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique fina...
Explanation:

Impact of in-person collaboration on the argument:
- Option c weakens the argument because it highlights the importance of in-person collaboration for the firm's work.
- If the firm's projects require frequent and extensive in-person collaboration, implementing flex-time may hinder communication and teamwork among employees.
- This could potentially lead to a decrease in productivity and product quality rather than the expected improvements.

Relevance of in-person collaboration:
- In industries where teamwork and face-to-face interactions are crucial, remote work arrangements like flex-time may not be suitable.
- The nature of the firm's work may require quick decision-making, brainstorming sessions, or real-time problem-solving that are best done in person.

Consideration of the firm's unique requirements:
- It's essential for the company to evaluate whether the benefits of flex-time, such as reduced costs and increased productivity, outweigh the potential drawbacks of reduced in-person collaboration.
- Adapting the new policy to accommodate the firm's specific needs and work requirements may be necessary for its successful implementation.
Attention GMAT Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed GMAT study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in GMAT.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Similar GMAT Doubts

Top Courses for GMAT

As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for GMAT 2024 is part of GMAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the GMAT exam syllabus. Information about As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for GMAT 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for GMAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for GMAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice As a result of changes in cultural norms and dynamics, a boutique financial research company is considering implementing flex-time, which enables employees to work during any time of the day from any location as long as they are present at the office from 12:30pm to 3:30pm on weekdays. By comparison, workers currently must be in the office from 8am to 5pm. Firm management believes this change will help meet three key goals: decrease total costs, increase productivity, and improve product quality.Q. Which of the following, if true, most weakens the argument of firm's management?a)Some new costs will arise as a result of telecommuting.b)A similar firm tried a version of flex-time and abandoned it after a month for unknown reasons.c)The firm in question performs work that requires frequent and extensive in-person collaboration.d)The firm in question recently lost its most experienced research analyst due to his perception of the firm's poor work-life balance.e)The firm in question works on projects that often take weeks to complete.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice GMAT tests.
Explore Courses for GMAT exam

Top Courses for GMAT

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev