THE MANAGER'S MEMO
FROM: R. Williams, Executive VP, Operations
TO: P. Harris, Manager, Greenbay Mill, Paper Division
RE: Third-Quarter Performance
Having just reviewed Greenbay Mill's third-quarter performance, I am extremely concerned about its YTD safety results. The mill's quality and productivity results are excellent-strong evidence that you and your employees are on target in meeting the mill's objectives. However, I can find no explanation whatsoever for the mill's poor safety record-currently the worst of all our plants in the nation. To operate at peak effectiveness and efficiency, product quality and productivity cannot be our only concerns; safety must be a paramount concern as well.
Our corporation's number-one mission is to provide a safe work environment for our associates. As you know, all the mill managers agreed to work toward a 15% improvement in lost-time accidents (LTAs) and reportable accidents. Not only is Greenbay's safety record not improving, but, judging by its YTD performance, it is likely to have more injuries and LTAs than ever. Your most recent excuse-that the mill's relations with the union have reached an all-time low-is not an acceptable explanation.
Reversing this poor record must be a high priority. I therefore direct you and your staff to prepare an action plan designed to reverse your safety performance record before the end of the year. I will expect this action plan on my desk within the week.
If you need corporate assistance in this matter, please let us know.
CASE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Assume that you are the recipient of this memo. How would you proceed?
- How might you consider Fayol's management functions in your planning?
- How would the concepts of conflict, uncertainty, and complexity factor into your action plan?