Paper II — Q1
Answer each of the following in about 150 words : 10×5=50 (a) What are the external environmental factors that are essential to…
Answer each of the following in about 150 words : 10×5=50 (a) What are the external environmental factors that are essential to an organisation ? 10 (b) Describe the main propositions of the neo-classical organisational theory. 10 (c) Describe the relationship between organisational culture and climate. 10 (d) "How does the policy of 'Flexitime' affect organisational functioning ?" Explain. 10 (e) Explain the three forms of intra-personal conflict. 10
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए : 10×5=50 (a) बाह्य वातावरण के वे कौन-से कारक हैं जो किसी संगठन के लिए आवश्यक हैं ? 10 (b) नव-प्रतिष्ठित (नव-क्लासिक) संगठनात्मक सिद्धांत के मुख्य प्रस्तावों का वर्णन कीजिए । 10 (c) संगठनात्मक संस्कृति एवं वातावरण के मध्य संबंध का वर्णन कीजिए । 10 (d) "समयलोचन (फ्लेक्सटाइम)' की नीति संगठनात्मक कार्यपद्धति को कैसे प्रभावित करती है ?" समझाइए । 10 (e) अंतरा-व्यक्तिक संघर्ष के तीन रूपों को समझाइए । 10
Directive word: Describe
This question asks you to describe. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'describe' requires systematic exposition of characteristics and features for each sub-part. Allocate approximately 30 words per sub-part (150 words total), spending roughly equal time on each since all carry 10 marks. Structure each mini-answer with: (a) brief definition/context, (b) 3-4 descriptive points addressing the specific demand, and (c) a one-line implication or significance. Avoid mixing up culture/climate or neo-classical with classical theory—precision in terminology is critical.
Key points expected
- (a) External environment: PESTEL framework—Political-legal (policies, regulations), Economic (GDP, inflation, interest rates), Socio-cultural (demographics, values), Technological (innovation, automation), Environmental (sustainability, climate), and International (globalization, WTO norms); mention uncertainty and complexity as key challenges
- (b) Neo-classical theory: Human relations focus (Elton Mayo, Hawthorne studies), informal organization recognition, social and psychological needs of workers, participative management, group dynamics and teamwork, and critique of pure economic rationality
- (c) Culture-climate relationship: Culture as deep, stable, value-based (Schein's levels); climate as surface, perceptible, attitude-based; climate reflects culture; culture shapes climate; both influence behavior but culture is antecedent and harder to change
- (d) Flexitime effects: Employee benefits (work-life balance, reduced absenteeism, autonomy) and organizational benefits (productivity, retention, extended service hours); challenges (coordination difficulties, supervision issues, coverage gaps); mention Indian IT sector or banking examples
- (e) Intra-personal conflict: Approach-approach (two attractive goals), Avoidance-avoidance (two unattractive goals), Approach-avoidance (single goal with mixed outcomes); mention Lewin's field theory or Festinger's cognitive dissonance briefly
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Demand-directive understanding | 20% | 10 | Correctly interprets 'describe' as requiring detailed characterization without critical evaluation; for (a) lists and elaborates environmental factors; for (b) distinguishes neo-classical from classical theory clearly; for (c) explains relationship directionality (culture → climate); for (d) covers both positive and negative effects; for (e) defines all three conflict types with precision | Partial directive confusion—treats 'describe' as 'explain' or 'evaluate'; mixes up neo-classical with classical theory; conflates culture and climate as identical; lists flexitime effects without elaboration; defines only two conflict types or confuses with interpersonal conflict | Fundamental misreading of demands—evaluates instead of describes; confuses external with internal environment; identifies neo-classical as scientific management; treats culture/climate as synonyms; describes flexitime without organizational impact; omits one or more conflict types |
| Content depth & accuracy | 20% | 10 | Demonstrates command across all five areas: comprehensive PESTEL coverage for (a); accurate Mayo/Hawthorne foundations for (b); precise Schein or Tagiuri references for (c); balanced stakeholder analysis for (d); correct Lewin/Festinger theoretical grounding for (e); no factual errors | Adequate coverage with gaps: mentions 4-5 environmental factors; identifies human relations but misses Hawthorne specifics; describes culture-climate distinction without theoretical attribution; lists flexitime benefits only; defines three conflicts but with imprecise examples | Significant content deficiencies: fewer than 4 environmental factors; confuses Fayol with neo-classical; fails to distinguish culture from climate; describes flexitime as mere 'timing change' without effects; identifies wrong conflict types (e.g., inter-group instead of intra-personal) |
| Structure & flow | 20% | 10 | Each sub-part follows clear micro-structure: definition → elaboration of 3-4 points → brief significance; maintains parallel structure across (a)-(e); effective use of bullet points or mini-paragraphs; smooth transitions between theoretical exposition and practical application; stays within 150-word aggregate | Generally organized but inconsistent: some sub-parts well-structured, others as unstructured lists; uneven depth—overdevelops one part at others' expense; minor word limit violations; adequate but not crisp paragraphing | Disorganized or fragmented response: no clear separation between sub-parts; rambling narrative without point-wise presentation; severe imbalance (e.g., 80 words on (a), 10 on (e)); exceeds word limit significantly; poor paragraph breaks impeding readability |
| Examples / case-law / data | 20% | 10 | Appropriate illustrations across sub-parts: for (a) references GST, demonetization, or Make in India policy impacts; for (b) cites Hawthorne experiments or Indian textile industry human relations applications; for (c) gives TCS/Infosys culture-climate examples; for (d) mentions SEBI flexitime guidelines or specific company policies (Wipro, HCL); for (e) workplace scenario illustrating approach-avoidance conflict | Generic or limited examples: mentions 'government policies' without specificity; no concrete neo-classical application; culture-climate without organizational reference; flexitime without Indian context; hypothetical rather than observed conflict examples | No examples or irrelevant ones: uses personal anecdotes; examples from unrelated domains; factual errors in case references; or completely omits illustrative material across all five sub-parts |
| Conclusion & analytical edge | 20% | 10 | Each sub-part ends with insightful one-liner: (a) environmental scanning as strategic imperative; (b) neo-classical's enduring relevance in knowledge economy; (c) integrated culture-climate management for competitive advantage; (d) flexitime as hybrid work precursor; (e) conflict resolution through self-awareness and organizational support; demonstrates synthesis across OB theories | Weak or repetitive conclusions: restates main points without advancement; generic 'therefore' statements; no attempt to connect sub-parts or show theoretical integration; misses opportunity for contemporary relevance | Absent or severely deficient conclusions: ends abruptly mid-description; includes irrelevant philosophical statements; or provides single conclusion attempting to cover all five disparate sub-parts inappropriately |
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