You are a policy officer in DG GROW working on a legislative proposal concerning digital single market interoperability standards. DG CONNECT has circulated a draft impact assessment that relies on economic modelling you believe contains a methodological flaw: it assumes uniform uptake rates across all Member States, which contradicts recent Eurostat data you have reviewed. The inter-service consultation closes in three working days. Your head of unit is travelling and largely unavailable. A colleague suggests you simply sign off on the document since the flaw is unlikely to affect the final political conclusions.
Which response is the MOST effective?
Why this is the most effective response
Response A directly addresses the analytical problem by marshalling specific evidence (Eurostat data), clearly articulating the flaw, and constructively proposing an alternative — all core positive indicators of Analysis and Problem Solving. It acts within the available deadline without waiting for unavailable management.
Why this is the least effective response
Response C involves signing off despite a known material flaw and merely filing a private note. This is the least effective because it allows a flawed analysis to proceed into the policy process unchallenged, abdicated personal responsibility, and the internal note provides no corrective value to the institution.
The other responses
Response B involves raising the concern but deferring prematurely without substantiating the critique — partial engagement with the problem but insufficient rigour. Response D shows appropriate escalation instinct but passively delays action and risks missing the deadline entirely, making it a weak but not the worst choice.
