CHAPTER 1 Flashcards
Management
In modern administrative terminology: the process of directing and controlling people and things so that organizational objectives can be accomplished
Supervision
the act of overseeing people, an activity that takes place at all levels in an organization, except at the work level
Why are management and supervisory principles important?
They are crucial at the first level where the productive capacity of an enterprise is directly controlled.
What is the role of the first-level supervisor in an organization?
The first-level supervisor’s job is a key position in any organization
Why are first-level supervisors important in law enforcement agencies?
Because of the great need for teamwork.
On them rests most of the responsibility for providing the cohesive force that welds the workforce into a well-functioning, smoothly operating unit.
People are responsible for production.
Supervisors are responsible for people.
What do people prefer when it comes to leadership?
People like to be led by those whom they respect and in whom they have confidence.
What is the first step in gaining confidence and respect from subordinates?
The first step is taken when supervisors exemplify by their personal conduct that which they demand from their subordinates.
True or False: Personal conduct of supervisors does not influence their ability to gain respect.
False
The supervisor will realize, as David Lieberman explains, that morale cannot be achieved through incentive or policy. They can influence it, however.
The supervisor should provide subordinates with performance feedback that will give them a sense of their worth within the organization.
What is the source of real authority?
Real authority stems from the spirit of cooperation, respect, and confidence that supervisors gain from subordinates.
This highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships in leadership.
What role do supervisors play in an organization?
Supervisors represent management’s interests to the workers and workers’ interests to the management.
How do supervisors act between workers and higher authority?
Supervisors serve as a buffer, absorbing heat from above without passing it along to their subordinates.
What type of behavior from a supervisor can impact subordinates’ perceptions of the organization?
Any unjust, inconsistent, and unfriendly behavior
it will be interpreted by the subordinates as a reflection of the attitude of the organization.
What should supervisors avoid doing regarding information sharing?
Supervisors should avoid filtering information to subordinates or superiors on the presumption that it will make them happy or unhappy.
It is vital to always keep superiors informed so that their decisions may be based on complete information, not on
partial data that have been taken out of context.
What should be done when in doubt about the amount of detail to convey?
Convey too much rather than too little
What should the very best supervisors actively work to replace?
Rumors with factual information
Why is it important for supervisors to replace rumors?
To avoid disrupting efficient and effective operations
What is the overall goal of delivering factual information in police services?
Professional delivery of police services to the public
What is the primary requirement for supervisors regarding technical skills?
Supervisors should have a good working knowledge of the principal aspects of the job for which they are responsible
Supervisors do not need to be highly skilled in every technical aspect to be effective.
True or False: Supervisors must become highly skilled in all technical aspects of their job.
False
It would impose an impossible burden on them.
Fill in the blank: Supervisors need not become highly skilled in every technical aspect of the job they supervise to be _______.
[effective]
Effectiveness does not require exhaustive technical skills.
The physical scientist
has given law enforcement a vast source of technical data that have contributed to the advancement of scientific criminal investigation
If supervisors delegate well,
they will conserve time for carrying out the primary duty of supervising rather than performing routine operational activities.
Successful supervisors will understand the legal ramifications of the office;
obligations, liabilities, and responsibilities for the acts of their subordinates under the law; and the restrictions under which they operate.
The Volcker Commission emphasized
the importance of understanding informal organizations in “The Report of the National Commission on the Public Service.”
An effective supervisor should be familiar with these groups as well as their leaders
because these groups have influence in the department.
A successful supervisor is able to deal effectively with both
the formal and the informal organization.
Planner
Supervisors must be experts in planning operational activities and using different methods.
must be capable of inspecting work systems, conducting studies, analyzing data, and developing mature recommendations for constructive changes
Personnel Officer
Supervisory officers should strive to assign subordinates as scientifically as possible to the positions for which they are best suited and to the places and at the times where and when they are most needed.
happy workers are usually productive ones
Employee-centered supervisors obtain better results than production-centered ones
Trainer
The best supervisors develop their abilities to train employees to be efficient, effective producers who gain satisfaction from their work.
To be effective, must gain knowledge/understanding of the learning process, the effects of individual differences, and psychological factors involved in teaching.
Coach
an integral part of supervisors’ responsibilities.
Coaching Process
knowledge, skills, and abilities are enhanced
guidance and direction to officers in a way that allows learning and development to happen. When this happens, performance is improved.
More and Miller state that “supervisors who work with employees as coaches
create a working environment that increases employee competence, greater fulfillment, greater contribution to the organization, and exposes officers to what can really be meaningful work”
Counselor
supervisory practice of actively listening and responding to employees’ complaints, grievances, and problems.
When a supervisor is required to address work-related performance deficiencies.
The counseling goal is to improve performance.
counseling is an important skill that all supervisors must develop
Controller
A supervisor must learn how to control subordinates properly. Must make proper follow-ups to determine that rules and regulations have been followed and orders properly executed.
Decision Maker and Communicator
A primary function of the supervisor is decision-making, which often helps shape policy for the organization.
If a decision is indicated, supervisors must not vacillate.
A bad decision is sometimes better than none at all.
Decision Maker and Communicator
When it affects others, it should be communicated to them clearly and simply to prevent misunderstandings and resistance.
resistance will be reduced if the need for the change is explained.
Decision Maker and Communicator
Timing of a communication that affects employees and selection of the location where it takes place are important if the change is to have the greatest acceptance.
Subordinates often resent a supervisor’s bad manner in giving an order more than the bad order itself.
Leader
A major responsibility of every supervisor is to provide leadership for their subordinates.
To become good leaders, supervisors must possess the traits of honorableness, courageousness, and vitality.
Leader
Supervisors have an inherent responsibility to motivate their subordinates by giving them positive incentives that will encourage them to achieve and maintain a high level of efficiency.
Transition from Officer to Supervisor
- a challenging time
- responsible for the actions of those who work for you
- represent management’s position to your employees
- support your employees when they’re right and discipline them when they’re wrong
- Investigating citizen complaints
- Your mindset is very important
- balance both employee and organizational needs
- organizational needs must come first
The most effective supervisors show concern for the public, their employees, and their organizations.
Guidelines for the Transition from Officer to Supervisor
- Educate yourself for your new position
- Look, listen, and learn about your new work environment
- Show a genuine interest in and concern for your employees
- Communicate regularly with your employees
- Lead by example
- Support management’s policies and decisions
- Ask for guidance and direction when you need it
- Treat people fairly and with respect
- Do the right thing
- Enjoy the benefits the position brings
What should you do to educate yourself for your new position?
Review the job description and performance evaluation factors
Understanding expectations is crucial for effective supervision.
What is important to do when learning about your new work environment?
Review personnel files, productivity, morale, and get to know fellow supervisors
Familiarity with your team helps in effective management.
How can you show genuine interest in your employees?
Meet with them, listen to grievances, and involve them in problem solving
Building rapport fosters a positive work environment.
What is a key aspect of communicating with your employees?
Keep them informed and meet individually at least twice a month
Regular communication helps address issues promptly.
What does it mean to lead by example?
Be a positive role model and take charge when necessary
Employees are influenced by actions more than words.
What is expected of you regarding management’s policies and decisions?
Support management as part of the team and avoid blaming higher management
Supporting the team strengthens overall organizational cohesion.
What should you do if you need guidance as a new supervisor?
Ask your boss or fellow supervisors for help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
How should you treat people in your supervisory role?
Treat people fairly and with respect
Fair treatment builds trust and respect in the workplace.
What does ‘do the right thing’ entail in a supervisory position?
Be honest, ethical, and avoid favoritism
Upholding integrity is essential for effective leadership.
What are some benefits of the supervisory position?
Challenge, prestige, different assignments, and monetary rewards
Embracing these benefits can enhance job satisfaction.
