Option A:
The employees who left Company X since the merger did so because they received more attractive employment offers from other firms.
This weakens the concern that departures were due to internal dissatisfaction but does not provide evidence that others are unlikely to leave. It is not directly relevant to the prediction.
Not correct.
Option B:
Worsening economic conditions may force Company X to reduce the size of its workforce in the near future.
This highlights a potential reduction in employees due to layoffs, not voluntary departures. It does not support the prediction about voluntary retention.
Not correct.
Option C:
Company X has just hired a highly respected consultant who specializes in employee relations.
While this shows Company X is taking steps to improve employee satisfaction, it only indirectly supports the prediction. The impact on retention is speculative.
Not strong support.
Option D:
None of the employees who worked for the company that has merged with Company X have left voluntarily.
This indicates stability among employees from the merged company, but the spokesperson’s prediction concerns employees who were with Company X prior to the merger. This does not provide strong support for the prediction.
Not correct.
Option E:
Most companies lose some workers to other firms as a result of a merger, but the number of workers lost is usually insignificant.
This general trend provides strong evidence supporting the spokesperson’s prediction. It suggests that the observed departures are typical and unlikely to lead to widespread additional departures.
Correct.
Answer: (E)It provides the most direct and relevant support for the spokesperson’s prediction.