Work Strengths Test Question 91 – Finding why a backlog grows after extra staff arrive
Read the scenario, then choose the one action you would be most likely to take and the one action you would be least likely to take.
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Scenario
A service backlog continues to grow even though six temporary staff have joined. Headline productivity has increased, but rework is concentrated at one checking stage and experienced staff are spending more time correcting cases. Leaders are considering recruiting more temporary staff because demand is expected to remain high for another three months.
Choose the actions
Select one Most likely action and one Least likely action. Do not rank the two remaining actions.
Action A
Map the flow, sample the reworked cases and test a targeted change to training or checks before recommending further recruitment.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action B
Request more temporary staff because the backlog shows that the service still lacks enough capacity.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action C
Set higher daily output targets for the temporary staff so that the extra headcount produces the expected result.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Action D
Move experienced staff to the checking stage for two weeks while collecting evidence on the causes of rework.
Your selection:
Most likelyLeast likely
Click to reveal the answer
- Most likely: Action A
- Least likely: Action C
Members can unlock the full explanation for all four actions below, including why the strongest and weakest choices fit and how the two middle options compare.
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