The Supervisors Role Flashcards
Why is supervision at the first level very important?
The productive capacity of the enterprise is directly controlled.
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?
The supervisor should remember that people are interested in themselves and in the things that AFFECT THEM
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.
See #25 Subd. 2
A first line supervisor is often referred to as a “buffer.” What does this mean?
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.
What factor is considered to be the strongest influence on a workers performance and morale?
His immediate supervisor
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 there is a great need for TEAMWORK
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 and 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 his/her Personal Conduct that which he/she demands from his/her subordinates.
Should a supervisor “take a vote” with his/her subordinates before making every decision?
No.
He/she should adopt a democratic approach in directing his/her subordinates, but shoud NOT cripple himself/herself as a supervisor so that his/her subordinates will expect him/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 his belief. He should recognize symptoms of low morale and take corrective action promptly whenever his position permits.
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.
