A study found that employees who worked fewer hours per week were more productive during their working hours. The study concluded that reducing working hours can increase productivity and overall job satisfaction. However, some companies claim that reducing working hours leads to delays in meeting deadlines and increased operational costs. Which of the following assumptions underpins the study's conclusion?
The question asks for the underlying assumption that supports the study's conclusion.
The study concludes that reducing working hours is beneficial (increasing productivity and job satisfaction). However, this must overcome the counter-argument that fewer hours lead to delays and costs.
For the study's conclusion to be logical, it must assume that the boost in productivity during the working hours is significant enough to offset the reduction in the total number of hours worked. In other words, employees get more done per hour, making up for the fact they are working fewer hours overall.
Option B, "Increased productivity can compensate for fewer working hours," perfectly captures this essential, unstated assumption.
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