UGC NET/JRF EXAM, JANUARY-2025 Labour and Social Welfare

A. By legislation- Under laws like the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, wage rates are legally fixed by the government for scheduled employments.

C. By industrial tribunals - Under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, tribunals can fix or revise wage structures as part of their award.

D. By process of arbitration - In case of voluntary or compulsory arbitration under labour laws, arbitrators are empowered to determine fair wages.

Whereas:
B. High Courts and E. Supreme Court do not fix wages directly; their role is limited to interpreting law and reviewing cases. Therefore, the correct answer is: A, C and D only.

Key provisions include:
• A union should have minimum 15% membership of the total workers in the establishment.
• Only one union is recognized at a time for the purpose of negotiations.
• The recognized union must abide by the Code of Discipline, avoid strikes without notice, and follow peaceful dispute resolution.

It is not prescribed under any statutory Act like the Trade Unions Act, 1926 or Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
Hence, the correct answer is: Code of Discipline.

A. The Hours of Work (Industry) Convention (No. 1) - IV. 1919: Adopted at the founding of the ILO to limit the working hours to 48 per week.

B. The Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention (No. 26) I. 1928: Aimed at establishing mechanisms to fix minimum wages in trades with low wage protections.

C. The Prevention of Industrial Accidents Recommendation (No. 31) III. 1929: Focused on preventive measures and safety protocols at workplaces.

D. The Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100) II. 1951: Advocates equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, promoting wage equality.

Therefore, correct pairing is: A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II.

B. Analyse the job: Understand the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies required for the job.

A. Choose the tests: Select or design tests that assess the job-related competencies identified.

C. Administer the test: Conduct the test on current employees or new applicants to collect data.

E. Relate your test scores and criteria: Statistically correlate test scores with job performance indicators.

D. Cross validation and Revalidation: Re-check the results with a different sample or over time to ensure reliability and consistency.

This sequence ensures that the test is valid, reliable, and aligned with job performance.

A. Exploitative Autocratic - III. Leaders have no confidence in subordinates: This style involves authoritarian control, centralized decision-making, and complete distrust in subordinates.

B. Benevolent Autocratic - I. Leaders have condescending confidence in subordinates: Although less harsh, leaders still make decisions unilaterally and treat subordinates as needing direction.

C. Participative - IV. Leaders have substantial but not total confidence in subordinates: This style encourages some level of input from employees in decision-making but not absolute autonomy.

D. Democratic - II. Leaders have full confidence in subordinates: This leadership style supports delegation, empowerment, and full trust in employees' abilities and judgment.

Therefore, the correct matching is: A-III, В-I, C-IV, D-II.

C. Domestic operations: The firm begins by operating only in its home market.

B. Export operations: Begins selling goods/ services to foreign markets via agents or distributors without physical presence abroad.

D. Subsidiaries or Joint ventures: As international exposure increases, firms establish physical presence through partnerships or foreign subsidiaries.

A. Multinational operations: The firm now operates in multiple countries with more autonomy given to local units.

E. Transnational operations: The most advanced stage where firms integrate operations globally with complex, decentralized networks.

Hence, the correct order is: C, B, D, A, E.

A. Assist management in achieving monthly/ yearly production targets - Workers are encouraged to contribute ideas to enhance productivity.

B. Assist in maintaining general discipline in the shop/department - Workers play a role in ensuring proper conduct and behaviour.

C. Safety measures - Ensuring a safe working environment is a collaborative effort.

E. Physical conditions of working - Workers can raise issues regarding lighting, ventilation, sanitation, etc.

D. Preparation of working hours/holidays is handled more by statutory rules and higherlevel management or Works Committees.

Therefore, correct set is: A, B, C and E only.

A. Is elastic: Labour welfare adapts to evolving socio-political and economic needs.

C. Differs from time to time: What was once considered welfare (e.g., fans or drinking water) may now be a basic necessity.

E. Depends on socio-economic development of people: Expectations and standards for welfare differ between developed and underdeveloped regions.

Options: B. Is inflexible and D. Remains identical for all regions are incorrect because welfare provisions change across geographies and time. Thus, the valid statements are: A, C and E only.

Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory outlines the following five major dimensions used to analyze national cultures:

A. Power Distance: The extent to which less powerful members accept unequal power distribution.

B. Individualism vs. Collectivism: Focus on individual achievements vs. group goals and interdependence.

C. Uncertainty Avoidance: The degree to which societies tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty.

D. Masculinity vs. Femininity: The preference in society for achievement, heroism, and assertiveness (masculine) vs. cooperation, modesty, and care (feminine).

E. Long-term vs. Short-term orientation: Whether a culture values long-term commitments and perseverance or respects traditions and fulfilling social obligations.

All five are Hofstede's confirmed dimensions, hence correct option is: A, B, C, D and E.