Merlin Needs a Magician
The two welders in this case study followed the chain of command when they both needed time off, but they did not get a response from the first link in the chain, their immediate supervisor. Unity of direction and line authority gives the supervisor the legitimate right to direct and coordinate the welders' tasks prior to or during their absence to minimize the resulting impact on production within that department. Unfortunately, it does not appear that the supervisor exercised that option. As a result, the supervisor's responsibility to his/her welders, department, organization, and self is not being met. On the other hand, we are not told whether centralization system is in place, which does not give the supervisor the authority to make the decision. Therefore, the accountability does not reside with the immediate supervisor.
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