Session #1 Flashcards
WHY IS SUPERVISION AT THE FIRST LEVEL VERY IMPORTANT?
Because at the FIRST LEVEL, the productive capacity of the enterprise is directly controlled.
WHAT FACTOR IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE STRONGEST INFLUENCE ON A WORKER’S PERFORMANCE AND MORALE?
His immediate superior. This is so because the superior exercises a strong influence upon the subordinate’s physical and social environment. The first level supervisor is a KEY PERSON in any organization.
WHY IS THE FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR IN A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY AN ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT PERSON?
Because in a law enforcement agency there is a great need for TEAMWORK; and the first-line supervisor must provide the cohesive force which welds the working force into a well-functioning, smoothly operating unit.
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY FACTOR IN ACHIEVING TEAMWORK AMONG PERSONS AND UNITS?
The establishment of COMMON GOALS or PURPOSES.
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP A SUPERVISOR MUST TAKE TO GAIN THE CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT OF HIS\HER SUBORDINATES?
The supervisor must exemplify by her PERSONAL CONDUCT that which she demands from her subordinates.
SHOULD A SUPERVISOR “TAKE A VOTE” WITH HER SUBORDINATES BEFORE MAKING EVERY DECISION?
NO. She should adopt a democratic approach in directing her subordinates, but should NOT cripple herself as a supervisor so that her subordinates will expect her to “take a vote” before making every decision.
WHEN SUPPORT OF YOUR STAFF IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A PARTICULAR RESULT, MUST STAFF BE CONSULTED?
YES. Note the use of the word “REQUIRED.”
DOES AN ADVANCEMENT INTO A POSITION OF AUTHORITY USUALLY REQUIRE A CHANGE IN PHILOSOPHY?
YES, especially in the area of human relations.
BECAUSE SERGEANT MULLINS’ MORALE WAS HIGH, HE BELIEVED THE MORALE OF HIS SUBORDINATES WAS HIGH. IS THIS A CORRECT ASSUMPTION ON THE PART OF SERGEANT MULLINS?
NO. As a supervisor, Sergeant Mullins should not become tranquilized into this belief. He should recognize symptoms of low morale and take corrective action promptly whenever his position permits.
WHAT DOES THE STATEMENT “MORALE CANNOT BE LEGISLATED OR INDUCED BY LOGICAL ARGUMENT; NEITHER CAN IT BE BOUGHT FOR A PRICE” MEAN TO A FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR?
It means that the supervisor should remember that people are interested in themselves and in the things that AFFECT THEM, and the supervisor should conduct supervisory activities accordingly.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE BASIC NEEDS OF WORKERS?
A feeling of STABILITY and SECURITY in their work. This should be provided for them insofar as possible, because subordinates do not perform well when they are exposed to conditions which cause tension and anxiety
ALTHOUGH SECURITY IS A BASIC NEED OF ALL SUBORDINATES, WHAT SINGLE FACTOR WORKS BEST AS A MOTIVATIONAL FORCE?
RECOGNITION for a job well done. But see #25, Subd. 2.(2) MOTIVATION, through the process of INSPIRATION, is the most powerful influence.)
A FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS A “BUFFER.” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Although he derives his official authority from management, his real authority stems from the spirit of cooperation, respect and confidence that he is able to gain from his subordinates. He is expected to represent management’s interests to the workers and their interests to management. Thus, he is a BUFFER between the two forces. This is sometimes called the AMBIVALENT ROLE of the FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR.
IN THE LONG RUN, ARE THE INTERESTS OF MANAGEMENT AND THE WORKER IDENTICAL?
YES. The small differences between the two can ordinarily be resolved by the effective supervisor.
SHOULD A FIRST-LINE SUPERVISOR ONLY TELL HIS SUPERIORS WHAT HE THINKS WILL MAKE THEM HAPPY?
NO. Such a practice is called “FILTERING.” He must keep his superiors informed so that their decisions may be made on accurate information, not on partial data which has been taken out of context. When he is in doubt as to how much detail he should pass on to them, he should resolve the doubt in favor of conveying TOO MUCH rather than TOO LITTLE.
