UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) Practice Test

What does it mean to commission someone in a professional context?

1. To assign them a specific task or project

2. To evaluate their work performance

3. To promote them within the organization

4. To demote them due to underperformance

The correct answer is: To assign them a specific task or project

Commissioning someone in a professional context refers to the act of formally assigning them a specific task, project, or a set of responsibilities. This can involve delegating authority to complete a particular job or to manage a specific initiative. It implies a level of trust, as the individual is given the responsibility to carry out the commissioned work, often with the expectation that they will report back on their progress or outcomes. In contrast, evaluating work performance pertains to assessing how well someone is performing in their current role, which does not involve the assignment of new tasks. Promoting someone involves advancing them to a higher position or rank within the organization, while demoting refers to the action of lowering someone's position due to underperformance, neither of which align with the definition of commissioning someone. Thus, assigning a specific task or project embodies the essence of commissioning.