Which statement BEST explains why collaboration has become an increasingly important part of the modern workplace?
A. Collaboration is a trend that will likely fade in the next decade.
B. There are fewer jobs so people need to have diverse skills.
C. No one works alone anymore, so everyone is part of a team.
D. Diverse skills are often required, so people need to work together.
D. Diverse skills are often required, so people need to work together.
D. Diverse skills are often required, so people need to work together.
In order to determine the best answer to this question, let's analyze each option and consider the logic behind it.
A. Collaboration is a trend that will likely fade in the next decade.
This statement suggests that collaboration is merely a passing trend and that it will become less important in the near future. However, this contradicts the prevailing belief that collaboration has become increasingly important in the modern workplace. Therefore, we can discard this option as it does not align with the question.
B. There are fewer jobs so people need to have diverse skills.
This statement suggests that the scarcity of jobs necessitates individuals to possess a broad range of skills, leading to an increased emphasis on collaboration. While having diverse skills can indeed be valuable in the modern workplace, it does not directly address the importance of collaboration. It is plausible to argue that collaboration becomes more vital precisely because people need to pool their diverse skills and knowledge to achieve common goals. However, this option is not the most comprehensive explanation, so we can eliminate it as well.
C. No one works alone anymore, so everyone is part of a team.
This statement suggests that the nature of work has shifted, and collaboration has become the norm rather than the exception. In today's interconnected world, technological advancements have facilitated seamless communication and collaboration regardless of physical distance. Teams are increasingly composed of individuals with various expertise working together towards common objectives. Thus, this option highlights the prevalence of collaborative work and is a logical explanation for why collaboration is essential in the modern workplace.
D. Diverse skills are often required, so people need to work together.
This statement indicates that the requirement for diverse skills in the workplace drives the need for collaboration. In many modern job roles, tasks are complex and multifaceted, often requiring different areas of expertise to be combined for successful outcomes. Collaboration enables individuals to leverage their diverse skills collectively, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving capacity. This explanation aligns with the question and provides a valid rationale for the importance of collaboration.
Considering the above analysis, both option C and D can be seen as potential answers. However, option D specifically highlights the connection between diverse skills and the need to work together, making it the better choice. Therefore, the statement "Diverse skills are often required, so people need to work together" is the BEST explanation for why collaboration has become an increasingly important part of the modern workplace.