Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) 2006 JT English University - exam paper

working. That could be 1 of the inferences drawn from a latest survey conducted by America Online and
Salary.com. Socializing with co-workers, spacing out and surfing the Web could, says that survey, cost
US companies as much as $ 759 billion in salary. The survey of 10,044 employees debunks a few popular
myths. Men and women are obtained to have wasted an equal amount of time at work. Older workers were
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significantly more attentive. As compared to the overall avg. of 2 hours a day being wasted, lunch–
time not counted, workers over 55 were obtained to have wasted just 30 minutes. While 33% of the respondents
stated they wasted time because they didn’t have enough work, 25% stated they did so because they were
underpaid. However, not all time-wasting activities are detrimental to the organization. Salary.com senior
vice-president Bill Coleman felt that personal use of the Internet could even be positive since it could
generate new business ideas if not contributed to a happier work environment. “There is such a thing as
creative waste. Not all wasted time is bad,” Coleman was quoted by Reuters as saying.


A survey on time-wasting in Indian organizations could throw up interesting outcomes. The most irritating
waste of time is when those working inside the office are asked for directions by visitors. With receptionists
and security staff also doing duty at the switchboard for telephone calls, it is usually the employee closest
the entrance who has to field queries ranging from “Where is so and so?” to “Where is the toilet?” However,
the most formally-sanctioned way of wasting time in the Indian organization remains the office-meeting.
Organizations are known to hold meetings at the drop of a hat. Even a decision to cut down on meetings
would be taken at a meeting! The conference-hall is bigger than the canteen which serves a more useful
purpose!

11. The central idea of the passage relates to:
a. common ways of wasting time in Indian organizations
b. time-wasting in organizations
c. why time is wasted in organizations
d. ill-effects of time-wasting activities


12. Out of the subsequent 4 options, which is the odd 1 out?
a. Men and women waste an equal amount of time.
b. Meetings are 1 of the most common ways to waste time.
c. Younger workers waste less time.
d. a few time-wasting activities are good for organizations.

Earning:   Approval pending.