Contributor Personality Development

Program (GTU)
Sample Questions for Assessments
September 2020

No.3, Khurshed House, 604-D, Lady Jehangir Road, Dadar (E), Mumbai 400 014, India;
Ph: +91 22 2418 2833 | [email protected] | www.illuminefoundation.org
Contents

How to use this bank of questions 2

Module 1: The Contributor Work Ideal 3

Module 2: Identity & Self-esteem 5

Module 3: Become a Creator of one’s destiny 7

Module 4: Achieving Sustainable Success 9

Module 5: Career Development Models 11

Module 6: Expanding contribution in every role 12

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 How to use this bank of questions

– A set of questions have been shared for each of the 6 modules.

– Each multiple-choice question has 2, 3, or 4 options.

– In most questions, all the options are valid ways of thinking. However,
there is only one contributor way of thinking in each question. This option
is indicated with the suffix [contributor thinking].

– For your own reference and understanding, the underlying contributor

aspect that is being checked in the question has been articulated as
‘Explanations’ for most questions.

– Using this bank of questions, you can compile your question paper/
assessment with the appropriate marks & number of questions required.

– In the past, professors have found it useful to ask students to articulate

the reason for choosing a particular option. That way, you can understand
if they have marked an option for the right reasons, based on their
learning & understanding of the topic.

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 Module 1
The Contributor Work Ideal

1. Your professor challenges your team to complete the research project in half the time
you estimated. As a contributor, your first reaction?
a] It can be done if all of us put our minds to it. [contributor thinking]
b] Even if we work day and night, we won’t be able to complete it.
c] Maybe it can be done, but the quality will not be as good as what we are
capable of.
Explanation: Contributors balance excellence and results focus.

2. Many shops raise the prices of their products and then offer discounts. Which of these
statements is correct?
a] The public should get to know this fact. [contributor thinking]
b] This way may be common in many stores!
c] Anyway, it is still a discount!
Explanation: Contributors have integrity in whatever they do.

3. I will support a colleague to finish her work only–

a] When I anticipate she needs help. [contributor thinking]
b] When she asks for it.
c] If I have finished my work.
Explanation: Contributors are focused on the goal and proactively help colleagues/
teams to achieve the goal

4. Drivers often drive very carelessly on Indian roads. Which message to drivers could
be most effective to make our roads safer?
a] Let us have concern for everyone who uses the road. [contributor thinking]
b] Let us take responsibility to follow traffic rules and regulations.
c] Let us avoid getting caught by traffic policeman and paying fines.
Explanation: Contributors fundamentally do the right thing because they have
concern for others, not because they are following rules

5. What can give a Nurse who works in a leading hospital, a sense of pride, in her work?
a] She ensures that her patients recover fast. [contributor thinking]
b] She follows the doctor’s instructions properly.
c] She considers Nursing to be a noble profession.
Explanation: Contributors take pride in doing effective work

6. Which is a Contributor newspaper?

a] One which ensures that it cross-checks with authentic sources several times
before printing. [contributor thinking]
b] One which often apologizes sincerely for any errors made in previous articles
and corrects them.
Explanation: Contributors have integrity and excellence-focus towards their work

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7. Which Team Leader contributes the most?
a] The one who discusses the project with the team and supports them to complete
it effectively. [contributor thinking]
b] The one who delegates work such that nobody is under pressure yet the team goal
gets achieved.
c] The one who focuses on achieving the targets on time.
Explanation: Contributors don’t just focus on results, but try to balance multiple
goals at the same time e.g. team development & achieving results.

8. Your assignment deadline is tomorrow and there is a lot to be done yet. If you focus
on doing a perfect assignment you cannot submit it on time. Which of these is closest
to your thinking?
a] How do I submit on time an assignment that I’ll be proud to call mine?
[contributor thinking]
b] I will ask for extra time and submit a perfect assignment.
c] When time is a constraint, quality is less important. I will submit the
assignment on time.
Explanation: Contributors balance excellence or quality with achieving results

9. During a campus placement interview you are asked, “Why should we recruit you for
our company?” What are you most likely to say in this situation?
a] I can take responsibility and accomplish goals. [contributor thinking]
b] I will do whatever work is assigned to me.
Explanation: Contributors don’t just follow instructions. They take responsibility
for the goals that have to be met.

10. Which of these is true about Contributors?

a] Contributors create value in anything they do/ any role they play. [contributor
thinking]
b] Contributors donate money and provide charity for people in need.

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 Chapter 2
Identity & Self-esteem

1. Which of these is more important?

a] An expert should listen to suggestions so that he can deliver better.
[contributor thinking]
b] An expert should give suggestions since he knows what to deliver.

2. If one is in a good job, why would one need to participate in new workshops and
conferences?
a] One can help the organization to be up-to-date with latest improvements in
technology in that field. [contributor thinking]
b] One can effectively use the knowledge to improve the quality of his present
work.
c] One can be sure to find a job in a related field, even if the economy goes into
recession.
d] One can build a name that they are very knowledgeable.

3. Raman who worked in ISRO decides to teach in a college after retirement. What
could be the reason behind such a decision?
a] He believes the students have potential and his expertise can help them grow.
[contributor thinking]
b] He believes there is still a lot to learn and accomplish in life.
c] He believes it is wasteful to stay at home and relax, when he can be doing
something useful.
Explanation: Contributors focus on leveraging their expertise to make a difference

4. A manager is stunned when in a staff meeting a junior asks him a question for which
he does not know the answer. How could the manager respond to this awkward
situation?
a] Say that the question is not related to the topic of discussion and dismiss it.
b] Say that he is not sure about it but they could discuss and find the answer.
[contributor thinking]
c] Say whatever little he knows about it.
Explanation: Contributors don’t come from “I know”. Rather, they think “I can
learn/ we can find out”

5. Debashish, a contributor, is the finance manager of a company. He has been asked to

take on an additional role of an administrative manager. How would he explain it to
someone else?
a] I am a learner - I first learnt about finance, and now I will learn how to manage
administration. [contributor thinking]
b] I am a ‘manager’. I know how to manage finance, and now I will soon know
how to manage administration.
c] Firstly, I am a finance specialist. Now I am also called ‘Administrative
Manager’.

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 d] “I am and will always remain a finance person!”.
Explanation: Contributors don’t attach themselves to any position or role. They
learn and adapt to the needs of the organization.

6. Preeti was known to be the ‘creative genius’ in her previous company. In her new
job, which of the thoughts would help her to move ahead?
a] It doesn’t really matter what I will be called – I just need to focus on my new
job. [contributor thinking]
b] I must maintain my ‘creative genius’ status in this job too. I have to prove to
others that I think differently”.
Explanation: Contributors don’t define themselves with ‘labels’ but rather what
they can contribute in any role

7. An employer must give preference to someone who –

a] …is willing to create value in the work they will do. [contributor thinking]
b] …has a brilliant academic record.
Explanation: Contributors are recognized by what they can accomplish, not their
past-history or track record

8. After completing his M.Sc in Energy Management, Joseph has joined an organization
which is leading the urban development project in the country. How should he view
himself?
a] As a person becoming capable of designing new technical solutions to real
challenges. [contributor thinking]
b] As a qualified scientist who has the necessary technical knowledge to handle
his job well.
c] As a person who, finally has a Master’s degree in a subject that he loves.
Explanation: Contributors are not defined by their qualifications and degrees,
rather in their capacity to make a difference

9. Which of these CEOs is a contributor?

a] People should understand that every person’s time is as important as mine. I
need to be involved with what is happening in the meeting rather than attend to
my phone. [contributor thinking]
b] People should understand that in my position, I can’t help but pay attention to
my phone during meetings. There are bigger responsibilities I need to handle
apart from this meeting.

10. Who is likely to get a better work opportunity?

a] “I am trained in Java programming but I am open to working in any kind of
project.” [contributor thinking]
b] “I am trained in Java programming so I prefer projects that are based only on
Java."

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 Chapter 3
Become a Creator of one’s destiny

1. Which of these is a Contributive approach to running a family business?

a] Family businesses need to reinvent themselves to respond to changes in the
market. [contributor thinking]
b] Family businesses need to be alert to market trends.
c] Family businesses need to continue following the traditional ways of doing
business.

2. Kannan is worried about a problem at work. What would you tell him as a
Contributor?
a] Instead of worrying, see what steps can be taken to solve the problem.
[contributor thinking]
b] With time the problem will solve itself.
Explanation: Contributors don’t wait for problems to solve on their own; they
actively do something about it

3. Environmentalists are constantly warning us that in another twenty years there will
be no clean drinking water. How should people respond to such news?
a] I have to save water in my day-to-day life for a better future for everyone.
[contributor thinking]
b] The community leaders should try and find solutions to solve the water
problem.
c] Even if changes are made, will it help? Most people are not going to conserve
water.
d] It is too far away in the future to be worried about.

4. The first step to resolving any community problem is –

a] the active cooperation between residents and authorities [contributor thinking]
b] active protests from its residents as a starting point.
Explanation: Contributors take concrete action to solve a problem, not just express
their dissatisfaction in public (like protests)

5. Contributors believe that human beings can shape/ modify the circumstances they are
in.
a] this is an idealistic view though not practical.
b] this is a useful view though not easy. [contributor thinking]

6. George, a teenager, was very upset over the news reports of deaths caused by rash
driving of teenage drivers. As a contributor, what will he be thinking after reading
such news?
a] My friends and I can together think of several ways to educate other teenagers.
[contributor thinking]
b] I really want to do something about this, but why will people listen to me?

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7. If you had to start a worldwide movement on a cause you feel strongly about…
a] Yes, why not? That’s quite a challenge… [contributor thinking]
b] Quite difficult…may not be successful…
Explanation: Contributors don’t wait for others to solve problems/ issues that they
feel strongly about. They take responsibility to start solving these in their own way.

8. Which of these is a Contributor way of thinking?

a] As a student, I can add ‘my voice’ to bring in change. [contributor thinking]
b] As a student, I have limited influence on people to bring in change.

9. Your boss has given you a new project. This is something you are not familiar with.
Which of these is a Contributor response?
a] I will build the capability required for this project to complete it. [contributor
thinking]
b] I will complete the project with some help.
c] I will try to work on the project for a few days and see whether it is possible to
do or not.
Explanation: Contributors take charge to do what it takes to meet a goal – not just
“try” or “give up if it is difficult”.

10. Nina is a stock broker. The stock market has been down, so there is less work to do.
What should she do?
1. She can look at alternate services related to the domain where her skills can be
used effectively. [contributor thinking]
2. She can use the time effectively to learn new stock market software that might
help her later in work.
3. Stock markets go up and down. She needs to wait patiently for the market to
start picking up again.

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 Chapter 4
Achieving Sustainable Success

1. A participant of an acting competition on T.V. will feel successful when –

a] He gets a chance to discover how versatile he can be as an actor when needed.
[contributor thinking]
b] He gets the chance to win the competition.
c] He gets a chance to interact with celebrities during the show.
Explanation: Contributors seek inner fruits of success, not just outer.

2. A financial firm decided not to increase salaries this year as they had a tough year
due to weakness in global economy. Sohail, a contributor, decides to stay on, even
though many employees decide to leave the company. Why?
a] He may feel that if employees like him leave, the company might go through
more difficulty. [contributor thinking]
b] His manager might have promised to give him a big salary increase in the next
year.
c] He might not get another job at this time of the year.
Explanation: For sustainable success, contributors believe that they need to ride
through the tough times together, rather than get attracted to outer fruits that
maybe temporary

3. Your friend seems to have cleared an entrance exam to a prestigious college though
it seems as though he didn’t put in much work before the exam. What will you think
about him?
a] He could have enjoyed his success more if he had put in effort to achieve it.
[contributor thinking]
b] If he had systematically prepared for the exam, he could have learnt something
new.
c] Finally he has got the admission and that’s what counts.
d] He can be lucky once but not always.

4. Ankit is batsman playing in the cricket finals. He and his partner are chasing a target
with just two more overs to go. If he scores another 15 runs he can become the highest
scorer in that match. How should he bat to support the team?
a] focus on playing each ball in the best possible way.
b] focus on being the highest scorer of the team to ensure a good total score.
c] focus on coordinating with his partner to improve the team’s score. [contributor
thinking]
Explanation: Contributors believe in succeeding together, not just individually

5. When will Deepak feel successful in his innovative business of making low cost
building material?
a] On overcoming difficult situations during the production process.
b] On successfully producing this building material which will help in providing
low cost housing to many. [contributor thinking]

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 c] On getting investors to fund him.
Explanation: Contributors seek long-term success, not short-term or immediate
success

6. Sushant is a civil engineer with limited knowledge of finance. The Accounts

department asks for his help in preparing of the cost estimate for a new tender. Why
would Sushant agree to take it up?
a] It is an opportunity for him to learn financial skills. [contributor thinking]
b] It is an opportunity to work with some new people for a change.
c] It is an opportunity for him to impress his company.
Explanation: Contributors seek inner fruits of success rather than only outer fruits

7. You participated in a group dance competition in a reputed inter-college cultural fest.

Your group reaches the final selection round but fails to qualify. This is what three
people from your group think. Whose thinking do you agree with the most?
a] Sonali: “It was a learning experience. Now I know that if I practice more, then I
can overcome my stage fear.” [contributor thinking]
b] Heena: “This whole experience was challenging and I completely enjoyed it. It
was worth the time we spent.”
c] Prabha: “We reached the final round, which means we are one of the best teams
here, amongst 100 others teams. We should see it positively.”

8. A research organization wants to send maximum research papers and delegates from
their organization for an international conference. What could be the reasons?
a] Their researchers will be able to gain from the experience and grow from the
feedback and review by peers in the field. [contributor thinking]
b] The ideas developed in their organization will earn more visibility and
credibility across the world.
c] The research organization will grow in repute and hold an important place on
the world platform.
Explanation: Contributors feel successful when they learn, & grow; not just gain
reputation or meeting external standards of success

9. Arnav is a famous film-maker, trained from one of the best schools of film-making.
He has been offered an educational project which demands creating a new campaign
for school students. On what basis should he accept the project?
a] It means that he can contribute to children and make a positive difference.
[contributor thinking]
b] It means he will be able to afford, use and learn from high tech equipment.
c] It translates into a good pay-package.

10. I have worked sincerely as a political party worker in the community, but have not
been issued a party ticket. What matters is…
a] …that I continue to do my work sincerely and do a good job. [contributor
thinking]
b] …that my party seniors know about the work that I have done.
Explanation: Contributors are not worried about pleasing others or “proving”
themselves. They are motivated by inner fruits of success.

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 Chapter 5
Career Development Models

1. A successful actor starts her own production house to make movies. If she were a
Contributor, what could be the reason behind her business?
a] To produce films on issues she believes in (which would otherwise not get
funded easily). [contributor thinking]
b] To leverage her celebrity status.
c] To start a side business as an alternative financial source.
Explanation: Contributors pursue careers that don’t meet essential living needs but
also create an impact along the way

2. As a contributor, how will pursuing higher studies in your field help you?
a] To understand my subject better so that I can do my future job well.
[contributor thinking]
b] To get higher earnings so that I can live my future life well.

3. How would a Contributor think?

a] You can become a media professional even if you have studied unrelated
subjects. [contributor thinking]
b] You can become a media professional only if you have studied media-related
subjects.
Explanation: Contributors build their careers from wherever they are; don’t get
fixed to their degrees or past experience

4. What is an important attribute of a person developing as a Builder-Entrepreneur?

a] They typically work in the construction field.
b] They are very creative.
c] They translate vision and ideas into reality. [contributor thinking]
d] They like to work in groups.

5. What is the key contribution Changemaker-Contributors make in their career?

a] They make significant donations to a cause.
b] They start a business or initiative around social change.
c] They hire smart people to work on social initiatives.
d] They work towards bringing in transformation in the society. [contributor
thinking]

6. What is a key quality of a Contributor Achiever?

a] They are focused on winning and coming first at any cost.
b] They are highly goal focused, can do whatever it takes to accomplish any goal.
[contributor thinking]

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 Chapter 6
Expanding contribution in every role

1. Saira is preparing for the role of President of the hostel committee. Which of these
questions to the previous President, indicate that she is widening her zone of
contribution?
a] During your time, what were the issues faced by the students? [contributor
thinking]
b] During your time, how did you manage your studies and the demands of this
role?
c] During your time, what were the activities you had to do every day as a
President?
Explanation: Contributors seek to create a meaningful impact through their role

2. In a college fest, why is it recommended that students not only participate, but also
volunteer and take up responsibilities like fund raising, registering, event holding and
other managerial work?
a] To practice taking up similar responsibilities in the future. [contributor
thinking]
b] To get exposure to some real-life activities.
c] To be able to write about it in the CV/ resume.

3. Rohan is going to an art exhibition with his friend. He decides to read up a little about
the paintings on display before going because…
a] This will help him appreciate the paintings. [contributor thinking]
b] This will help him give more interesting facts to his friend.
Explanation: Contributors seek and take opportunities to develop themselves

4. Leo has recently started working after completing his graduation. He refuses to work
on a difficult project as he thinks he doesn’t have the necessary skills yet. You think–
a] Leo’s decision will benefit the team as his lack of training and experience will
slow down the productivity.
b] Leo has lost a chance to try something that would help him develop new skills.
[contributor thinking]

5. Indra Nooyi, the CEO of PepsiCo., shifted the company’s focus towards producing
more- health oriented products. She did so because –
a] She wanted to improve the performance of the company while ensuring that its
products benefit the larger community. [contributor thinking]
b] Pepsi’s ‘brand image’ was getting negatively affected due to their non-healthy
product.
Explanation: Contributor businesspeople seek to create a positive difference to the
society along with building an economically profitable business

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6. The state’s election dates have been announced in the summer holidays. Hiren, a
teacher knows he will be called in for election duty. How can he motivate himself to
do this work?
a] The election work has to be done every five years by all teachers.
b] The election work is a good way to get to know new localities/people.
c] The election work will lead to a democratically elected government.
[contributor thinking]
Explanation: Contributors seek to make an impact through their role

7. Ashok works as a local railway ticket checker at a very crowded station. What is the
widest vision of contribution he can have in his role?
a] He believes that by doing his work honestly, the railways will become the
preferred choice for all. [contributor thinking]
b] He believes that by doing his job well he is ensuring there is fairness for all
passengers travelling.
c] He is able to ensure that people don’t travel without tickets and the railways do
not make losses.

8. Kusum has been asked to head the Quality Control division. As a contributor, how
can she view her role?
a] I have to be open to ideas that could improve the quality even above the
prescribed norms. [contributor thinking]
b] I must ensure that all the quality check activities are conducted smoothly.
c] I should make sure all products meet the quality check requirements.
Explanation: Contributors have the widest vision of their role – they don’t see it just
in terms of activities or tasks that they have to carry out on a daily basis

9. How could a contributor traffic policeman see his role as being “different”?
a] He can see his role as improving road safety and reducing accidents in the city
[contributor thinking]
b] He can view his role as being of help to people when they are lost or when they
need to cross the road (especially disabled or elderly people).
c] He can view his role as contributing to the smooth flow of traffic.
d] He can view his role as a government servant employed to discipline errant
drivers.

10. In which kind of job do you think you can contribute the most?
a] I can contribute in any job. [contributor thinking]
b] A job that is meaningful and which gives me fulfillment.
c] A job that directly contributes to the country like the defense forces, railways,
etc.
Explanation: Contributors believe that they can make a difference in any job/ role –
it doesn’t have to be something special or “noble”

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