Chapter 15

Question 1

In connection with the supervision of a diverse workforce, why is recruitment and selection so important

Answer 1

• It is necessary to build a workforce that is reflective of the ethnic, gender, and racial composition of the community being served without compromising standards. However, competence is the most important criteria. If a community group is underrepresented, the recruitment plan should include proactive steps to encourage members of that group to seek employment opportunities

Question 2

In police agencies operating in the 21st century, what is the definition of emotional intelligence?

Answer 2

• The ability to keep one’s emotions in check

Question 3

Explain whether minority workers require a different kind of supervision

Answer 3

• All workers, including minority workers, require different managerial styles
• Minority workers in general tend to require special supervisory attention in certain areas. They need extra care, training and coaching to help them to adjust

Question 4

What can a leader who follows the adage, “Do as I say, not what I do,” expect

Answer 4

• Subordinates tend to adopt their leaders attitude and demeanor and this type of managerial style can be extremely harmful to the agency

Question 5

How can a supervisor display empathy toward an employee when the supervisor does not agree with the employees views

Answer 5

• Get to know the subordinate and learn about their cultural beliefs. Empathy does not necessarily mean agreement and the most important thing for the supervisor is the point of view of the agency as expressed by top management

Question 6

What is the “hot stove” concept?

Answer 6

• Douglas McGregor’s comparison for the disciplinary process hen dealing with diverse work groups. It compares the hot stove to the organizations disciplinary system and the burn victim to the employee who has earned punishment. The hot stove does not consider the identity of those who touch it. The burn is impersonal and all who touch it are treated the same. The difference may be in degree but never kind

Question 7

What is empowerment?

Answer 7

• No more than opening the decision making process to subordinates and the sharing of power with subordinates via the process of delegation

Question 8

Comment on keeping an open door policy as a supervisor

Answer 8

• Supervisors with open door policies assume the responsibility, when appropriate, for acting as a spokesman for line personnel. While it is true that supervisors are expected to represent the views of management to workers, it must be kept in mind that workers, especially minority workers, expect the supervisor to present the views of the workforce to management as well

Question 9

Whose fundamental responsibility is it to accept all employee grievances?

Answer 9

• It is the fundamental responsibility of the first line supervisor to accept all employee grievances

Question 10

How can seeking the input of workers assist the supervisor when making decisions?

Answer 10

• When workers have an opportunity to contribute to the decision making process, they will strive harder to make things work. Conversely, when a course of action is decided upon without worker input, it can be very difficult to gain support for that course of action