SSC MTS 2026 PYQ — Question 88

SSC MTS - 19 Feb 2026 - Shift 1 • English • Q88

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:

Leadership studies are an emergent discipline, and the concept of leadership will continue to change. Leadership lore is defined as an influence relationship among leaders and followers who want real change and outcomes that reflect their shared purpose. Leadership involves influence. It occurs among people who intentionally seek significant change, and the changes reflect a shared purpose among leaders and their followers.

Influence means that the relationship among people is not passive; however, it is also part of this definition that influence is multidirectional. It does not use orders or threats to make somebody do something. The basic cultural values in America make it easiest to think of leadership as something a leader does to a follower. However, leadership has an effect in both directions. In most organizations, superiors influence subordinates, but subordinates also influence superiors. The people involved in the relationship want real and important changes- leadership involves creating change, not maintaining what normally happens.

Based on the passage, which of the following best describes leadership?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The passage highlights several key components of leadership that support this answer:

Shared Purpose: The passage defines leadership as a relationship among leaders and followers who want "outcomes that reflect their shared purpose."

Intentional Change: It states that leadership occurs among people who "intentionally seek significant change" and that it involves "creating change, not maintaining what normally happens."

Multidirectional Influence: The text clarifies that leadership is not just a top-down command; it is an "influence relationship" that is "multidirectional," meaning subordinates influence superiors just as superiors influence subordinates.

Option ‘C’ is the correct answer.