Judgement Test Question 65 – Private office and operations blame each other
Read the scenario and rate every action independently. Several actions can receive the same rating.
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Scenario
A ministerial announcement is planned for next week. Private office wants a firm launch date included because ministers have already signalled rapid delivery. The operations director says the proposed date creates a serious risk of long waits for the public. Meetings have become tense, with each side accusing the other of ignoring its responsibilities. You oversee the work across both directorates. A decision is needed within two days, and some operational evidence is still being checked. You need to support the ministerial aim while protecting service delivery and public confidence.
Rate the actions
For each action, choose Counterproductive, Ineffective, Fairly Effective or Effective.
Action A
Ask both teams to provide the specific missing evidence by the following day and postpone the joint discussion until it is available.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action B
Bring both leads together around the decision required, compare the public and ministerial impacts of each option and develop a shared recommendation with clear risks.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action C
Ask each directorate for a written position and send both papers to the Director General for a decision.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Action D
Support private office because a ministerial commitment should take priority over operational concerns at this stage.
Rate this action:
CounterproductiveIneffectiveFairly EffectiveEffective
Click to reveal the answer
- Action A: Fairly Effective
- Action B: Effective
- Action C: Fairly Effective
- Action D: Counterproductive
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