Question

Herman manages a production facility that makes furniture. He asked Missy, a shift supervisor, to reach a goal of producing less than 2 percent scrap during the past month, instead of the 9 percent usually produced on her shift. This goal seemed impossible since the industry averages 10 percent scrap, and the best month ever at Herman’s facility still produced 5 percent scrap. Missy’s shift did not reach the goal, producing 6 percent scrap during the month. How should Herman respond?

Multiple Choice

• He should fire Missy for falling short of an official goal, no matter how unrealistic it was.

• He should require Missy to work unpaid overtime to cover the excess scrap produced on her shift.

• He should avoid punishing Missy for missing the goal and recognize that she still had an exceptional month.

• He should give Missy a chance to cut scrap to one percent next month or face consequences.

• He should tell Missy it is all right because goals do not really mean anything.

Answer 1

Answer: (c) He should avoid punishing Missy for missing the goal and recognize that she still had an exceptional month.

Explanation: Missy was given a goal of producing less than 2 percent scrap during the past month. Considering the industry average of 10 percent scrap and the best month ever at Herman’s facility in which it still produced 5 percent scrap, Missy performed reasonably well by producing 6 percent scrap during the month. She reduced the scrap percentage in her shift from her usual 9 percent to 6 percent which is worth appreciation. Although, she couldn’t achieve the goal of 2 percent scrap which in itself was highly unrealistic and very difficult to achieve looking at the past performances in the firm. Therefore, instead of punishing Missy, Herman should recognize the fact that she had an exceptional month and performed really well.