transport for tourism 2200words

Question 1

Robert Sim was the best machinist in the entire organization. He started off as an apprentice with the company’s plant at Kallang ten years ago. This energetic and pleasant worker was very popular with his colleagues down at the machine shop. So it was inevitable that when the company needed a supervisor for its second plant in Jurong, Robert was selected to be the one.

However, things did not turn out well for Robert with his new appointment. Jobs were frequently delayed at his machine shop due to poor management of workflow on his part. He had some difficulties in organizing work for his section and his ability in handling paper work was questionable. Things got to such a bad state that his production manager eventually summoned him.

“I am rather disappointed with your performance,” declared Kumar, the production manager. “The delays at your section are causing us a lot of headaches. At a time like this you will need to get your men’s co-operation in putting in extra time and effort to push out the backlog of work. But from what I heard, your relationship with your subordinates is far from good. I just don’t understand at all. According to your manager at Kallang you are full of drive but as far as I can see, your morale is rather low.”

“I am not happy with my present position,” complained Robert. “I don’t feel motivated like I used to be back at Kallang. I never asked for this appointment in the first place. Nobody consulted me regarding this transfer. I feel isolated out here. I missed working with my friends down at Kallang. Together we make a great team. I would prefer that you demote me and send me back to the Kallang plant.”

(a) Does Robert Sim have the following supervisory skills?

(i) administrative skills

(ii) human relations skills

· Describe briefly the above two types of supervisory skills. (8 marks)

· Explain with evidence from the case whether Robert Sim has the two supervisory skills (separately). (12 marks)

(b) Robert Sim does not feel motivated as a supervisor. Explain why using the following two theories of motivation:

(i) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory

(ii) McClelland Acquired Needs Theory

· Describe briefly the above two theories of motivation. (16 marks)

· Explain with evidence why Robert Sim is not motivated when he was a supervisor using the above two theories of motivation separately. (24 marks)

Question 2

Mary was hired by a large local bank as its vice-president of the credit and loans department. Prior to this appointment, Mary was a credit manager with a foreign bank. Reporting to her are eight officers taking care of credit and loan facilities offered by the bank.

At the first meeting called by Mary, she said to her subordinates, “I hope to increase the range of credit and loan facilities to the public. I also intent to offer financial planning services to our customers. Let’s work together to make our unit the best in the industry. I would like you to come up with some suggestions on the type of facilities we can offer. Let’s meet again in two weeks’ time for further discussion.”

Six months later, John, one of the credit officers, was talking to his colleague, Jane. “Hey, our unit is doing quite well, don’t you think so?”

“Yes,” replied Jane. “Anyway, we have a good boss. She is warm and approachable and she always consults us on work related matters. She always asks for our opinions and involves us in decision- making. She believes in consensus and does not force us to accept her opinions. We have a great team here.”

“That’s true,” said John. “Morale is high because she respects us and shows concern for us. I am glad she always make it a point to get us involve. We have been with the unit for many years and all of us get along well. The group is cohesive and we have many years of experience. Furthermore, we are able to work independently.”

(a) What leadership style did Mary employ?

- State the characteristics of such leadership style and show evidence from the case. (24 marks)

(b) Is the leadership style employed by Mary appropriate for this group of workers?

- State the characteristics of workers on whom this style of leadership is useful and show evidence from the case. (16 Marks)

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