Question

Ritu works for an IT firm and is happy that the firm gives her freedom of working hours. She can even work late on Saturday night and come late on Monday, every time her boss gives her a deadline. Also, most meetings happen over a weekend dinner at the office. What is Ritu being subjected to?

• A. knowledge economy where her work is in the IT sector
• B. 'flexi-time' but in reality expansion of working hours by the management
• C. globalisation because her clients are in Japan
• D. gender discrimination

Hint:

In scenario-based sociology questions, look for the underlying power dynamics and the difference between official policies and their real-world impact. Concepts like 'flexi-time' can often have a double meaning in the modern workplace.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question presents a scenario from the contemporary workplace, particularly in the IT sector, and asks to identify the sociological or managerial phenomenon at play. The key is to analyze the gap between the stated policy ('freedom of working hours') and its actual implementation and consequences.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
Let's break down the scenario:
Stated Policy: Ritu has "freedom of working hours" or 'flexi-time'. This is presented as a benefit.
Actual Practice: She works late on Saturdays and has meetings during weekend dinners to meet deadlines set by her boss. The "flexibility" to come in late on Monday is a consequence of working through the weekend, not a true benefit.
The Core Issue: The concept of 'flexi-time' is being used by the management not to provide work-life balance, but to make employees available for work outside of traditional 9-to-5 hours. The deadlines and meeting schedules force an expansion of working hours into personal time (weekends). The "freedom" is illusory, as the work demands dictate the schedule.
Step 3: Analyzing the Options
(1) knowledge economy...: This describes the sector Ritu works in, but not the specific problem she is facing. It's the context, not the issue itself.
(2) 'flexi-time' but in reality expansion of working hours...: This perfectly captures the paradox. The official policy of flexibility is a tool for the unofficial practice of extending the workday and workweek.
(3) globalisation...: The scenario does not mention anything about clients in Japan or elsewhere. While such work cultures are a feature of globalisation, the core mechanism described is the manipulation of 'flexi-time'.
(4) gender discrimination: There is no information to suggest that Ritu faces this situation because she is a woman. The problem described is common for employees of all genders in such work environments.
Step 4: Final Answer
The most accurate description of Ritu's situation is that she is experiencing a system of 'flexi-time' that, in practice, leads to an expansion of her working hours by the management.