Comprehension
Abhishek, a student of a prestigious business school, gets interested in Payseasy, a
fintech firm, after listening to a pre-placement talk by Neha Bhupati, a senior leader at
the firm, and an alumna of the same business school. He joins Payseasy through campus
placement. Neha plays a key role in recruiting him, seeing great potential in him.
Abhishek starts working in the digital payments vertical under Mukesh Kumar, who
reports directly to Neha. Mukesh, Abhishek’s direct superior, is impressed by his
performance and rates him very high in the first year. Abhishek understands that if
Mukesh consistently rates him as “Excellent Performer” for the second year as well, his
chances of getting promoted will improve. (The organization promotes individuals who
are consistently rated as “Excellent Performer” for at least two years by their
immediate superiors.)
Over time, Abhishek realizes that the learning opportunities in his current role have plateaued. Given his longstanding interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency, he starts exploring opportunities in that vertical within the company. This change is not possible without the consent of his immediate boss, Mukesh. When Abhishek brings this up with Mukesh, he acknowledges Abhishek’s curiosity and enthusiasm; however, he emphasizes how Abhishek’s competencies fit him rightly into the current vertical. Mukesh assures Abhishek that more challenging assignments in the future are forthcoming, but he remains a good team player. Further, he shares his skepticism about the long-term prospects of cryptocurrency. Hence, Mukesh politely declines Abhishek’s request.
Over time, Abhishek realizes that the learning opportunities in his current role have plateaued. Given his longstanding interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency, he starts exploring opportunities in that vertical within the company. This change is not possible without the consent of his immediate boss, Mukesh. When Abhishek brings this up with Mukesh, he acknowledges Abhishek’s curiosity and enthusiasm; however, he emphasizes how Abhishek’s competencies fit him rightly into the current vertical. Mukesh assures Abhishek that more challenging assignments in the future are forthcoming, but he remains a good team player. Further, he shares his skepticism about the long-term prospects of cryptocurrency. Hence, Mukesh politely declines Abhishek’s request.
Question: 1
Abhishek is not happy with Mukesh’s decision. Abhishek is aware that he needs to be in the good books of Mukesh for his performance rating. However, he is passionate about cryptocurrency; hence, he considers approaching Neha directly to discuss a possible move. Neha can take such decisions independently, but Neha and Mukesh usually see eye to eye on most issues.
Which of the following reasons, IF TRUE, will BEST encourage Abhishek to reach out to Neha regarding his desired change to a different vertical?
Abhishek is not happy with Mukesh’s decision. Abhishek is aware that he needs to be in the good books of Mukesh for his performance rating. However, he is passionate about cryptocurrency; hence, he considers approaching Neha directly to discuss a possible move. Neha can take such decisions independently, but Neha and Mukesh usually see eye to eye on most issues.
Which of the following reasons, IF TRUE, will BEST encourage Abhishek to reach out to Neha regarding his desired change to a different vertical?
Which of the following reasons, IF TRUE, will BEST encourage Abhishek to reach out to Neha regarding his desired change to a different vertical?
Show Hint
When trying to make a career change within the company, aligning your personal goals with the organization’s current needs, such as filling talent gaps, is a strong argument for your request.
Updated On: Jan 7, 2026
- A colleague got her vertical changed by presenting her case to the higher-ups, bypassing her immediate boss.
- Mukesh is infamous for not letting his team members go to any other vertical.
- Abhishek strongly feels that he cannot continue for one more year in his current role.
- Neha is known to Abhishek as they are alumni of the same business school.
- The crypto team is always running short of talented employees.
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The Correct Option is
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand Abhishek’s situation.
Abhishek is interested in shifting to the cryptocurrency vertical within the company, but his immediate boss, Mukesh, has declined his request. Abhishek is looking for a valid reason to approach Neha, who can independently make decisions regarding vertical changes.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) If a colleague successfully moved to a new vertical by bypassing their immediate boss, it could give Abhishek confidence that he too can approach Neha directly. However, this would not necessarily address the critical need for the crypto team to hire more talent, which is the strongest reason for Neha to act.
- (B) Mukesh’s reluctance to let team members switch verticals suggests that Abhishek may face resistance from his direct boss, but it doesn’t directly help him convince Neha.
- (C) While Abhishek’s dissatisfaction with his current role may motivate him to move, this reason alone does not justify bypassing Mukesh to approach Neha, especially if the crypto team isn’t actively hiring.
- (D) Knowing Neha personally as an alumna is helpful, but it does not address the specific need for talent in the crypto team, which would make Abhishek’s case stronger.
- (E) The fact that the crypto team is always running short of talented employees provides the strongest justification for Neha to act. Abhishek can present himself as a qualified candidate for the role, increasing his chances of a vertical change.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The best reason for Abhishek to approach Neha is (E), as the shortage of talented employees in the crypto team makes his case more urgent and relevant, providing a clear incentive for Neha to consider his request.
Abhishek is interested in shifting to the cryptocurrency vertical within the company, but his immediate boss, Mukesh, has declined his request. Abhishek is looking for a valid reason to approach Neha, who can independently make decisions regarding vertical changes.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) If a colleague successfully moved to a new vertical by bypassing their immediate boss, it could give Abhishek confidence that he too can approach Neha directly. However, this would not necessarily address the critical need for the crypto team to hire more talent, which is the strongest reason for Neha to act.
- (B) Mukesh’s reluctance to let team members switch verticals suggests that Abhishek may face resistance from his direct boss, but it doesn’t directly help him convince Neha.
- (C) While Abhishek’s dissatisfaction with his current role may motivate him to move, this reason alone does not justify bypassing Mukesh to approach Neha, especially if the crypto team isn’t actively hiring.
- (D) Knowing Neha personally as an alumna is helpful, but it does not address the specific need for talent in the crypto team, which would make Abhishek’s case stronger.
- (E) The fact that the crypto team is always running short of talented employees provides the strongest justification for Neha to act. Abhishek can present himself as a qualified candidate for the role, increasing his chances of a vertical change.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The best reason for Abhishek to approach Neha is (E), as the shortage of talented employees in the crypto team makes his case more urgent and relevant, providing a clear incentive for Neha to consider his request.
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Question: 2
Dissatisfied with Mukesh’s response, Abhishek reaches out to Neha for a vertical change. Though she listens to Abhishek, she shares her displeasure with the request. In fact, she brushes his request off, telling him to resign from Payseasy if it does not charm him anymore. Abhishek gets worried as he has a huge educational loan to pay, and such a departure will put him in a fix.
Later that day, in one of the team meetings, Abhishek is ignored as he is cut twice while he tries to share his project progress. Thereafter, he starts believing that Mukesh is not happy with him. This fear appears to get substantiated when Mukesh assigns an important project to another team member, which Abhishek wants to work on. His fear keeps growing regarding Neha and Mukesh not being happy with him. However, when he receives his annual rating, he finds out that Mukesh has rated him as the “best performer” of the year, based on his previous year’s performance.
Abhishek wants his relationship with Mukesh to be back on track, as it was, before he reached out to Neha.
Which of the following options will BEST enable Abhishek to rebuild his relationship with Mukesh?
Dissatisfied with Mukesh’s response, Abhishek reaches out to Neha for a vertical change. Though she listens to Abhishek, she shares her displeasure with the request. In fact, she brushes his request off, telling him to resign from Payseasy if it does not charm him anymore. Abhishek gets worried as he has a huge educational loan to pay, and such a departure will put him in a fix.
Later that day, in one of the team meetings, Abhishek is ignored as he is cut twice while he tries to share his project progress. Thereafter, he starts believing that Mukesh is not happy with him. This fear appears to get substantiated when Mukesh assigns an important project to another team member, which Abhishek wants to work on. His fear keeps growing regarding Neha and Mukesh not being happy with him. However, when he receives his annual rating, he finds out that Mukesh has rated him as the “best performer” of the year, based on his previous year’s performance.
Abhishek wants his relationship with Mukesh to be back on track, as it was, before he reached out to Neha.
Which of the following options will BEST enable Abhishek to rebuild his relationship with Mukesh?
Later that day, in one of the team meetings, Abhishek is ignored as he is cut twice while he tries to share his project progress. Thereafter, he starts believing that Mukesh is not happy with him. This fear appears to get substantiated when Mukesh assigns an important project to another team member, which Abhishek wants to work on. His fear keeps growing regarding Neha and Mukesh not being happy with him. However, when he receives his annual rating, he finds out that Mukesh has rated him as the “best performer” of the year, based on his previous year’s performance.
Abhishek wants his relationship with Mukesh to be back on track, as it was, before he reached out to Neha.
Which of the following options will BEST enable Abhishek to rebuild his relationship with Mukesh?
Show Hint
Taking ownership and apologizing for any perceived missteps can be an effective way to mend professional relationships.
Updated On: Jan 7, 2026
- Abhishek should reach out to Mukesh and apologize for his perceived immaturity.
- Abhishek should double down on his performance to demonstrate his value to the team.
- Abhishek should stay low profile for some time as the past time heals the past.
- Abhishek should request Mukesh for an open discussion to get rid of any misunderstandings.
- Abhishek should request Neha to help him in rebuilding his relationship with Mukesh.
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understand the situation.
Abhishek is in a difficult situation where he feels that Mukesh is not happy with him. His relationship with Mukesh is important for his performance ratings and career growth.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) Apologizing for his perceived immaturity and acknowledging Mukesh’s authority is the best way to rebuild their relationship. This will show humility and a willingness to correct mistakes, which is critical in professional settings.
- (B) While improving performance is important, this will not directly address the strained relationship between Abhishek and Mukesh.
- (C) Staying low profile may avoid further conflict, but it does not proactively solve the problem or rebuild the relationship.
- (D) Asking Mukesh for an open discussion is a good option, but it may be seen as confrontational or unnecessary if Abhishek can show the maturity through a simple apology.
- (E) Asking Neha to intervene may not be appropriate, as it could further complicate the situation and damage Abhishek’s relationship with Mukesh.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The best approach for Abhishek is (A), where he takes responsibility and seeks to rebuild the relationship with Mukesh through an apology.
Abhishek is in a difficult situation where he feels that Mukesh is not happy with him. His relationship with Mukesh is important for his performance ratings and career growth.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) Apologizing for his perceived immaturity and acknowledging Mukesh’s authority is the best way to rebuild their relationship. This will show humility and a willingness to correct mistakes, which is critical in professional settings.
- (B) While improving performance is important, this will not directly address the strained relationship between Abhishek and Mukesh.
- (C) Staying low profile may avoid further conflict, but it does not proactively solve the problem or rebuild the relationship.
- (D) Asking Mukesh for an open discussion is a good option, but it may be seen as confrontational or unnecessary if Abhishek can show the maturity through a simple apology.
- (E) Asking Neha to intervene may not be appropriate, as it could further complicate the situation and damage Abhishek’s relationship with Mukesh.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The best approach for Abhishek is (A), where he takes responsibility and seeks to rebuild the relationship with Mukesh through an apology.
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Question: 3
After two years at Payseasy, Abhishek applies to a competing firm and is called for an interview. The hiring manager, Amit, is impressed with Abhishek and tells him that he will take the final decision to select Abhishek in a day or two. After the interview, Amit wants to know more about Abhishek since Abhishek will be leading a team of 15 people and his people management skills are very important for the team’s success. He calls Mukesh, Abhishek’s superior. Mukesh is Amit’s classmate who Amit trusts immensely. Mukesh informs Amit that though Abhishek is a good talent, he questions his superiors too often. Mukesh further shares that such a behavior makes it difficult for the superiors to manage the team.
Amit needs a good talent, but is confused if he should recruit Abhishek, given Mukesh’s assessment of Abhishek.
Which of the following data will BEST enable Amit to take a decision on Abhishek’s recruitment?
After two years at Payseasy, Abhishek applies to a competing firm and is called for an interview. The hiring manager, Amit, is impressed with Abhishek and tells him that he will take the final decision to select Abhishek in a day or two. After the interview, Amit wants to know more about Abhishek since Abhishek will be leading a team of 15 people and his people management skills are very important for the team’s success. He calls Mukesh, Abhishek’s superior. Mukesh is Amit’s classmate who Amit trusts immensely. Mukesh informs Amit that though Abhishek is a good talent, he questions his superiors too often. Mukesh further shares that such a behavior makes it difficult for the superiors to manage the team.
Amit needs a good talent, but is confused if he should recruit Abhishek, given Mukesh’s assessment of Abhishek.
Which of the following data will BEST enable Amit to take a decision on Abhishek’s recruitment?
Amit needs a good talent, but is confused if he should recruit Abhishek, given Mukesh’s assessment of Abhishek.
Which of the following data will BEST enable Amit to take a decision on Abhishek’s recruitment?
Show Hint
When assessing talent, consider not only the individual’s qualifications but also the broader context of organizational success and competition for talent.
Updated On: Jan 7, 2026
- Amit’s organization is very democratic, where people are encouraged to share their critical views without any fear of consequences.
- Two years back, Mukesh discouraged Amit from offering a role to one of his subordinates, who later went to a competing firm and is now a star performer there.
- Payseasy has been seeing attrition of good talent to Amit’s organization in the recent past due to the high salaries that Amit’s organization offers.
- Mukesh is known to be very possessive of his subordinates.
- Abhishek was kind and cooperative throughout the selection process of Amit’s organization.
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Analyze the data.
Amit is looking for a good talent who can manage people and work within a team. Mukesh’s feedback on Abhishek raises concerns about Abhishek’s ability to fit into a leadership role, but Amit needs more context to make a fair decision.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) While the democratic nature of Amit’s organization is valuable, it doesn’t directly address Abhishek’s potential or fit within the team.
- (B) Mukesh discouraging Amit from hiring a subordinates is more about Mukesh’s judgment and does not necessarily reflect on Abhishek’s potential.
- (C) The fact that Payseasy is losing talent to Amit’s organization due to better compensation provides a strong argument for Abhishek. This suggests that Abhishek could be valuable to Amit’s firm if he can offer better working conditions.
- (D) Mukesh’s possessiveness doesn’t add much value in assessing Abhishek’s potential or suitability for the role.
- (E) While being kind and cooperative is important, it does not address the core concern of Abhishek’s ability to manage a team and work with superiors.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The most relevant data for Amit to consider is (C), as it provides a clear indication of Abhishek’s potential value based on his previous success at Payseasy.
Amit is looking for a good talent who can manage people and work within a team. Mukesh’s feedback on Abhishek raises concerns about Abhishek’s ability to fit into a leadership role, but Amit needs more context to make a fair decision.
Step 2: Evaluate each option.
- (A) While the democratic nature of Amit’s organization is valuable, it doesn’t directly address Abhishek’s potential or fit within the team.
- (B) Mukesh discouraging Amit from hiring a subordinates is more about Mukesh’s judgment and does not necessarily reflect on Abhishek’s potential.
- (C) The fact that Payseasy is losing talent to Amit’s organization due to better compensation provides a strong argument for Abhishek. This suggests that Abhishek could be valuable to Amit’s firm if he can offer better working conditions.
- (D) Mukesh’s possessiveness doesn’t add much value in assessing Abhishek’s potential or suitability for the role.
- (E) While being kind and cooperative is important, it does not address the core concern of Abhishek’s ability to manage a team and work with superiors.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The most relevant data for Amit to consider is (C), as it provides a clear indication of Abhishek’s potential value based on his previous success at Payseasy.
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