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Critical thinking involves analysing a given problem and finding an appropriate solution for the
same through a series of well defined steps. In our case study we have identified the problem in coal
Identification of a problem in any given scenario answers some of these relevant questions,
What, When, Where, Which, How. The problem that we could strongly feel in this case study is
“Psychological issues with the workers in the coal mines pertaining to the recent changes in the
system of work, that is the technological change”. The reasons that lead us to the identification of
The following indicate that the workers in the coal mines are suffering from psychological issues
1. As the group size increased from 8-10 workers to 40-50 workers in a group, the interactions
that the workers enjoyed with the fellow workers of their community was affected.
2. Greater difficulties in interaction as men were spread out 200 yards away and divided into
3. The concept of a team leader that the workers identified with was replaced by a supervisory
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4. There were different levels of prestige involved with different tasks which undermined the
confidence of workers.
5. There is a decrease in the level of productivity with the change in the system.
6. The workers feel they have lost meaning in their work and there is a sense of passivity and
STEP 3 : OBJECTIVE
The objective of the process further is to resolve the psychological issues of the coal mine workers
Through our analysis of the problem we could generate the following alternatives as solutions to the
1. A through discussion of all the new elements in the new system of coal mining and
negotiations with the workers for well implementation of the new technology with factors
2. Having a separate leader or supervisor for each group who can communicate well with the
workers and bring to light their grievances and keep a personal contact with them.
3. Giving an hour’s break in each shift so that workers don’t feel overloaded and have time to
interact with the workers from their own community, that is basically increasing the social
interaction.
4. Physical well being is in turn connected to the mental/psychological well being of a person
and as the health hazards related to mining activities are evident, provision of health and
5. Hiring a counsellor who could talk and influence the workers to maintain their hard work
and add to the productivity of the mine and for the workers to share their personal issues.
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STEP 5 : DEVELOPMENT OF CRITERIA
We have shortlisted the following four criteria to base our analysis of the alternatives and select the
best possible alternative from the list and start with its implementation :
3. SATISFACTION that the workers will derive from the implementation of a specific
solution as our main objective is to improve the psychological state of the workers.
STEP : 7 PRIORITISATION
A number of criteria are fulfilled for each of these alternatives so for accurate selection we assign
weights to the alternatives now so that we have make a choice. The alternatives are written in
priority order :
1. Breaks
2. Discussion
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3. Insurance
4. Counsellor
5. Separate leader
From the above evaluation we come to the conclusion that the best plan of action is providing an
If we are not able to achieve success through the plan of action is the second best alternative, that is
discussing all the elements of the new system to get the workers on board.