Match List-I with List-II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : List-I (Relationship category) A. Between cricket captain and team members B. Between judge and lawyers in court C. Between Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar D. Between peers and coworkers List-II (Communication type) 1. Informal and firm 2. Informal and open-ended 3. Formal and open-ended 4. Formal and firm

Correct Option: B (A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2)

According to principles of Organizational Behavior (OB) and Communication Theory, communication styles adapt to structural hierarchy and operational objectives:

• A-1 (Cricket captain and team members): Informal and firm. Sports leadership relies heavily on camaraderie and lateral social bonds, making the overarching environment informal. However, a captain's on-field tactical decisions (e.g., bowling changes) demand directive leadership and immediate compliance, making the communication firm.
• B-4 (Judge and lawyers in court): Formal and firm. Courtrooms operate under strict procedural laws and legal etiquette. A judge’s rulings and directives are absolute, legally binding, and non-negotiable, making this communication strictly formal and firm.
• C-3 (Vice Chancellor and Deputy Registrar): Formal and open-ended. University administration utilizes a bureaucratic, formal vertical structure. Yet, because their roles involve policy formulation, problem-solving, and administration, they require ongoing consultation and feedback, making the dialogue open-ended.
• D-2 (Peers and coworkers): Informal and open-ended. Horizontal communication (lateral communication) among peers is typically informal to foster social cohesion. It thrives on an open-ended approach to encourage brainstorming, innovation, and collaborative teamwork.

Why other options are incorrect:

• Option A: Incorrectly pairs judicial communication as "open-ended" (B-3), fundamentally disregarding the authoritative and legally binding nature of courtroom rulings.
• Option C: Incorrectly characterizes peer communication as "firm" (D-1) and a cricket captain's instructions as "open-ended" (A-2), contradicting the collaborative nature of peers and the decisive leadership required in sports.
• Option D: Inverts established dynamics by mischaracterizing a judge's rulings as open-ended (B-3) and lateral peer communication as rigidly firm (D-1).

Concluding Takeaway: When evaluating communication, analyze two axes: Structure (Formal for institutional hierarchy vs. Informal for peers/sports) and Objective (Firm for execution and rulings vs. Open-ended for planning and brainstorming).