Question

Read the following short passages and answer the questions that follow each passage.
Traditionally, decision-making by managers that is reasoned and step-by-step has been considered preferable to intuitive decision-making. However, a recent study found that top managers used intuition significantly more than did most middle or lower-level managers. This confirms the alternative view that intuition is actually more effective than careful, methodical reasoning.
The conclusion above is based on which of the following assumptions?

Options

• Methodical, step-by-step reasoning is inappropriate for making many real-life management decisions.

• Top managers have the ability to use either intuitive reasoning or methodical, step-by-step reasoning in making decisions,

• The decisions made by middle and lower-level managers can be made as easily by using methodical reasoning as by using intuitive reasoning.

• Top managers are more effective at decision-making than middle or lower-level managers.

Answer 1

Top managers are more effective at decision-making than middle or lower-level managers.

Explanation:

According to the passage, the conclusion can only be drawn if we assume that top managers are more effective at decision making than middle level or lower-level managers. This is given in 'Top managers have the ability to use either Intuitive  reasoning or methodical, step-by-step reasoning in  making decisions', rendering it the correct answer.