Which decision making style is most productive?

The correct answer is C) Assertive. An assertive style states your needs, views and decisions clearly and firmly, while still respecting the rights, views and interests of others. It keeps decisions transparent, invites input, and gives people a reason to commit to the outcome, which is why it tends to be the most productive style.

• A) Passive: The person avoids deciding or defers to others, suppressing their own judgement. Problems stay unresolved and resentment builds up.
• B) Aggressive: The person imposes a view and overrides others. It may get quick compliance, but it creates resistance, poor buy-in and conflict.
• D) Passive-aggressive: Disagreement is expressed indirectly through delay, sabotage or non-cooperation. It hides the real issue and erodes trust, so work slows down.

The core concept is communication and decision style in organisational behaviour. For Mains, the link is to Ethics (GS4): a district officer must be firm in enforcing rules yet consultative with stakeholders, and assertiveness captures that balance.

Trap: Candidates confuse assertive with aggressive because both involve firmness. The difference is that assertiveness respects other people's rights and views, while aggression overrides them.