Which of the following is an example of overt industrial action? (A) Absenteeism (B) Sabotage (C) Turnover (D) Work-to-rule - HSC - SSCE Business Studies - Question 5 - 2001 - Paper 1

To determine the correct answer, we need to understand what constitutes overt industrial action. Overt industrial actions are actions taken openly by workers, which are openly visible and aimed at influencing management decisions.

Let's analyze the options:

• (A) Absenteeism: This involves employees not showing up to work, but it can often be unnoticeable or even unintentional, making it less of an overt action.

• (B) Sabotage: While this is a direct action against the organization, it is typically covert as it involves damage or interference done secretly rather than publicly stating a position or demand.

• (C) Turnover: This refers to employees leaving the organization, which is not a direct form of action taken by those present in the workplace.

• (D) Work-to-rule: This is an explicit form of industrial action where employees strictly adhere to the rules and regulations, often slowing down work processes as a form of protest.

Given these definitions, the most clear example of overt industrial action among the choices provided is (D) Work-to-rule.