Witt’s claim that Robin must be dissatisfied assumes what? A) Jonaki

QUESTION

Witt’s claim that Robin must be dissatisfied assumes what?

A) Jonaki is aware of Robin’s salary.
B) Most people in the organization would agree that Robin and Jonaki do comparable work.
C) Jonaki receives more favorable employee reviews than Robin does.
D) Robin has met all of the goals specified by the organization’s incentive system.
E) Robin has not been provided with a persuasive justification for the difference in salary.

ANSWER

Answer: E
Explanation: E) Jonaki is paid more than Robin, and Witt says that will be a barrier to motivation unless there’s some kind of persuasive justification. Since Witt concludes that Robin must be dissatisfied but never mentions anything about any justification, Witt must assume that no persuasive justification was offered. If it were, then the fact that Jonaki is paid more than Robin would not guarantee that Robin is not motivated. Choice A: The argument does assume that Robin is aware of Jonaki’s salary, but not the reverse. Choice B: The argument does assume that Robin thinks that the work is comparable, but it does not assume that most people agree. This is about Robin’s perspective only. Choice C might be part of a persuasive justification for the difference, which only weakens the argument. Choice D sounds like something Peck would say, but Witt says that these fairness considerations apply no matter what else is going on. So nothing about the incentive program need be assumed.