Economist Dr. David Lee argues that employee ownership programs increase company productivity. When workers have a stake in the company's success, he claims, they work harder and make better decisions because they share in the profits.
Which finding would most directly support Lee's productivity claim?
Employee-owned companies have lower stock market volatility
Most employees prefer companies with ownership programs
Companies that implemented employee ownership saw an average 5% increase in output per worker within two years, while control companies showed no change
Some of the largest companies in the world have employee ownership programs
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. Controlled comparison shows productivity increase (output per worker) after implementing ownership.
- Context clues: Lee claims ownership "increases productivity."
- Evidence evaluation: 5% increase vs no-change controls proves causation.
- Verify: Output per worker is a direct productivity measure.
💡 Strategy: Productivity claims need before/after comparisons with control groups.
Choice A is incorrect because stock volatility isn't productivity. Choice B is incorrect because preference doesn't prove productivity effects. Choice D is incorrect because existence of programs doesn't prove benefits.