Multiple choice

You are a regional manager of a company engaged in manufacturing of plastic products. The region under your supervision has the maximum number of production units. You have received a complaint from a section of workers of one unit alleging that the unit-head indulges in corruption and favouritism. That particular unit has the highest production in the region. The company headquarters wants you to take quick action as dissatisfaction amongst workers, if allowed to spread, could take the shape of a strike. Which course of action would you adopt?

  1. Remove the unit head and appoint the next in line as the acting unit head. This would satisfy the complainants.

  2. Take no action as the unit has been functioning well and disturbing the administrative set up won’t be proper.

  3. Undertake a visit to the unit and find out the root cause of problem. Speak to the unit head and disgruntled workers if need be. But this may take some time as you are preoccupied with some urgent work.

  4. Call for a report from the unit head regarding the allegations levelled against him.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

2.5 marks for Option (c) 1.5 marks for Option (d) 2 marks for Option (b) 0 marks for Option (a) Rationale/ Reasoning (c) The matter is important as well as urgent. The unit concerned is the biggest one in the region but there is also disgruntlement amongst a section of workers. The best course of action is to personally visit the unit and listen to both the workers and management (Option (c)). This way the root cause of the problem could be ascertained and appropriate action taken. (d) Option (d) would enable you to get the management’s perspective. But the point of view of the workers would be missing. The management is most likely to defend itself without accepting the contention of workers. (b) & (a) Taking no action, though an inappropriate course of action, (Option (b)), is at least better than sacking the unit head immediately without proper inquiry (Option (a)). The complaint itself may be false or exaggerated one. In such a situation sacking may lead to disillusionment amongst the management of the unit. Principle/ Value Tested Ability to take just, impartial and balanced decisions

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