Case Study

Due to the closing of several company plants, a number of employees have been transferred from other locations to our department. These are men and women reputed to have had good records elsewhere. Most of them have had extensive experience in other department in the company. An examination of their employment records, however, shows that they have had little or no experience with the line of work performed in your department. However, they appear willing and cooperative.

Analysis

Which of the following approaches would you choose to make this group of transferees productive as quickly as possible? Why? Can you identify the leadership style of each alternative?

a. Hold a meeting with them to find out how they think the work should be handled; then proceed to make assignments.

b. Provide explicit directions for now, and accept no suggestions until the transferees have shown they can do the work properly

c. Allow the transferees to find out through experience on the job the best way to handle the work.

d. Interview each transferee so that you can better understand his or her preferences, and then make assignments accordingly.