Will Paten is the manager of a team of 12 people in the marketing division of Palmer, Inc. Will, who has been working in the company for 11 years, is held in high regard and liked by all his colleagues and subordinates. However, Aaron and Abby, two of his subordinates, are noted for frequently flouting his rules and directives. They continue behaving in this manner even after Will had categorically requested them to refrain from upsetting the momentum of the team. Which of the following, if true, would best explain Aaron and Abby’s continued noncompliance with Will’s requests?

The options are given below:

A) The promotions and bonuses of the team members depended heavily on Will's performance ratings.

B) The company had provided Will with additional duties and he was left with little time to ensure that his team members performed well.

C) Will believed that since the job demands in marketing were ambiguous and ever-changing, a supportive approach to leadership would suffice.

D) Will was considered an expert at analyzing market trends and making accurate projections.

E) Will was uncomfortable exercising coercive measures to control employees.

The correct option is E.

Explanation:

Will Paten is someone that is liked by all his co-workers, including his colleagues and subordinates. He is probably liked by all because he is a nice and easy going person, who does not enjoy forcing his will on others.

Aaron and Abby are likely taking Will's niceness for granted and they believe that they would not be punished for going against Will's requests.

Will, being an easy going and nice person will not enjoy forcing them to do his bidding, he will therefore be uncomfortable about exercising coercive measures to control Aaron and Abby.