A possible consequence of inconsistently fulfilling supervisory duties as a company officer?

• A. undermined authority
• B. empowered employees
• C. increased self-knowledge
• D. decreased emotional reactivity

Answer: (A)

When a company officer does not consistently fulfill supervisory duties, authority is undermined because credibility and trust in leadership hinge on reliable, predictable behavior. Consistent supervision—setting clear expectations, enforcing safety and procedures, and providing timely feedback—shows subordinates that orders will be supported and that the chain of command is legitimate. Inconsistency breeds doubt, erodes discipline, and can lead to unsafe operations as crew members test boundaries and second-guess decisions.

The other options don’t fit as well because empowerment comes from steady, fair guidance rather than uneven leadership; increased self-knowledge results from deliberate reflection and learning, not simply inconsistent supervision; and emotional reactivity tends to rise under unstable leadership, not decrease.