Office Politics Reading Answers

Mar 12, 2024

Office Politics Reading Answers is an academic reading answers topic. Office Politics Reading Answers have a total of 7 IELTS questions in total. This topic has questions in which we have to choose one of the options of heading that are given in the passage. Candidates should read the IELTS Reading passage thoroughly to recognize synonyms, identify keywords, and answer the questions below. IELTS Reading practice papers, which feature topics such as Office Politics Reading Answers. Candidates can use IELTS reading practice questions and answers to enhance their performance in the reading section.

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Section 1

Read the text below and answer questions 21 - 27.

Office Politics

Office politics concern differences that arise between employees - differences of opinion and conflicts of interest. Good communication is the best way to deal with office politics. A natural reaction to disputes at work is to defend yourself and fight for what you want, but the typical response to that stance is resistance, which achieves nothing. However, if you flee from conflict and don't take a stand, you will be seen as a pushover. Although both fight and flight are instinctive reactions, it is best not to be impulsive but rather to carefully consider how you feel and decide how you will react.
There is a temptation to focus on the differences - of employees' positions or opinions - but try to concentrate on business objectives instead and discuss the problem with these in mind. After all, everyone wants to work for a successful company, so put petty disagreements aside and look at the big picture.
Sometimes issues arise which workers have little control over, for example company policies, customer demands or directives from management. It is easy to get caught up in an endless round of complaint, but this rarely if ever solves these outside problems. Be realistic about what you can actually influence at work, and don't put your focus on insoluble problems.
Occasionally you will find yourself caught between two powerful individuals in contention. Do not get drawn into the conflict by supporting one or the other. Remain neutral and objective and try to keep the discussion focused on the interests of the organisation.
When office politics erupt, avoid angry outbursts and never direct your rage towards a particular person. This will only provoke negative feelings towards you, possibly harming your chances of advancement or promotion later.
If you try to identify and comprehend the position of other parties first, you will gain their trust and open up communication because they will feel less defensive. Using this technique will facilitate a swifter solution to the problem.
People don't like to lose. It is humiliating. Outcomes of a conflict at work where there is a loser and a winner are generally not beneficial for either the individuals involved or for the company, so it is better to find a resolution which is acceptable to both parties. It is better to have allies than enemies.

Section 2

Solution and Explanation

Questions 21-27

The text has seven sections, A-G. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet

Section A

Answer: VIII
Supporting statement: “.......Although both fight and flight are instinctive reactions, it is best not to be impulsive but rather to carefully consider how you feel and decide how you will react.........”
Keywords: reactions, impulsive
Keyword Location: para 1, line 6
Explanation: It is given that the person has two choices in a toxic office culture, either to fight or leave. The person has to choose the right one at right moment.

Section B

Answer: V
Supporting statement: “........After all, everyone wants to work for a successful company, so put petty disagreements aside and look at the big picture........”
Keywords:petty, big
Keyword Location: para B, line 3
Explanation: It is given that even after small misarguments, the person ultimately looks out for a big company. So the person should work towards it.

Section C

Answer: I
Supporting statement: “......It is easy to get caught up in an endless round of complaint, but this rarely if ever solves these outside problems. .........”
Keywords:complaint, rarely
Keyword Location: para C, line 2
Explanation: It is given that sometimes we are so much caught up in the complaint that we forget to do our important work. We should only focus in the work that will get us some results.

Section D

Answer: VII
Supporting statement: “....... Do not get drawn into the conflict by supporting one or the other. Remain neutral and objective and try to keep the discussion focused on the interests of the organisation........”
Keywords: neutral, interest
Keyword Location: para D, line 2
Explanation: It is given that the person should not take side in a fight between two people. It is better to remain neutral.

Section E

Answer: X
Supporting statement: “.....When office politics erupt, avoid angry outbursts and never direct your rage towards a particular person..........”
Keywords: direct, rage
Keyword Location: para E, line 1
Explanation: It is given that the person should not take any argument personal. Also no one should hold grudge on a particular person in office.

Section F

Answer: III
Supporting statement: “....... If you try to identify and comprehend the position of other parties first, you will gain their trust and open up communication because they will feel less defensive........”
Keywords: parties, defensive
Keyword Location: para F, line 1
Explanation: It is given that if we identify the position and beliefs of other person, then only they will understand us. It works both way.

Section G

Answer: VI
Supporting statement: “......Outcomes of a conflict at work where there is a loser and a winner are generally not beneficial for either the individuals involved or for the company, so it is better to find a resolution which is acceptable to both
parties.........”
Keywords: conflict, resolution
Keyword Location: para G, line 2
Explanation: If there is a fight between two parties then try to come to common grounds to solve the problem.. Think of a diplomatic solution for both of them.

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