The new employee's ____________ attempts to flatter the CEO were met with disdain rather than approval.
Correct: B
The sentence describes attempts to flatter the CEO that were met with disdain, suggesting excessive or servile eagerness to please. 'Obsequious' means excessively obedient or attentive; fawning. This aligns with the context. 'Assiduous' means showing great care and perseverance. 'Tenacious' means tending to keep a firm hold of something; not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action. 'Perfunctory' means carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.