Fundamentals of Business Intelligence (FBI) Practice Exam

According to Deresiewicz, what usually does not contribute to getting people up the "greasy pole" in bureaucratic organizations?

1. Networking skills

2. Excellence

3. Experience

4. Leadership qualities

The correct answer is: Excellence

The notion that excellence typically does not contribute to climbing the "greasy pole" in bureaucratic organizations reflects the author's perspective on how advancement often operates within such systems. Bureaucratic structures frequently prioritize attributes such as networking skills, experience, and leadership qualities, which can facilitate relationships and visibility in the organization, over pure merit or excellence in job performance. In these organizations, individuals who excel in technical skills or deliver high-quality outputs may not necessarily find themselves advancing, especially if they lack the political savvy or connections to align with decision-makers. Networking can lead to opportunities for promotions, whereas excellence alone may not translate to the same level of recognition. As a result, individuals focused solely on their performance might find themselves overlooked in favor of those who skillfully navigate the social and political landscape of the organization.