Supervisors were cautioned not to seek popularity at the expense of efficiency. This caution rests on the assumption that which of the following is true?

• A. Familiarity breeds contempt
• B. Required actions sometimes cause resentment
• C. Efficiency and popularity don't mix
• D. Cooperative problem-solving may lead to inefficient methods

Answer: (B)

The situation hinges on the idea that doing what’s necessary to run things efficiently isn’t always popular with people. If a supervisor pushes for efficiency, some required actions may upset or annoy staff, generating resentment. The warning about seeking popularity at the expense of efficiency assumes that these necessary actions can provoke that resentment, which in turn can undermine performance. That’s why the best choice is the one that says required actions sometimes cause resentment.

Familiarity breeds contempt focuses on a personality dynamic and isn’t about actions causing dislike in the context of efficiency. Saying efficiency and popularity don’t mix uses an absolute claim that isn’t warranted by the scenario. Cooperative problem-solving leading to inefficiency introduces a different tension, not the specific idea that required actions trigger resentment.