Which additional evidence would most strengthen the managers' conclusion that the shorter week suits the whole industry?

A company with 120 employees tested a four-day working week for six months, paying full salaries for the shorter week. At the end of the trial, management reported that output, measured in completed client projects, was about the same as before, and that sick leave had fallen. Several managers concluded that the shorter week should be made permanent across the industry. Not everyone was convinced. The trial involved only one firm, in which most tasks are done at a desk and deadlines are flexible. Employees knew they were being observed and may have worked harder to make the trial succeed. Also, the six months ended before the winter season, when demand usually peaks. A fair conclusion is that the result is encouraging for firms like this one, but that it cannot be applied everywhere without further testing.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Similar results from many different firms over a full year

  1. Step 1: The weaknesses were: one firm, observation, and short duration. Step 2. Evidence that removes these weaknesses is a wider, longer set of trials. Answer: Many firms of different kinds over a full year. Why not the others: Enjoyment, further changes in sick leave or a manager's opinion do not address the weaknesses.

Practise more Reading Passages, Tables and Data.

Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed Högskoleprovet (Sweden) mock tests.

All Reading Passages, Tables and Data questionsTake a mock test

More Reading Passages, Tables and Data questions

Which additional evidence would… | Högskoleprovet (Sweden)