Sheet 32
QUALITIES REQUIRED IN AN ERA OF CHANGE
To keep in track with the pace in which things are changing in society, supervisors must address the work of their organization as follows.
1 Recognize the Significance of their Work to Society
Supervisors are required to constantly review and reappraise the appropriateness of the work of their organization to society. As the needs of society change, supervisors are expected to make corresponding revisions to meet these new demands.
2 Keep in Track of New Requirements
We are made aware of changes in society through various means such as the massmedia. Supervisors may also notice changes in public attitude through the process of their everyday work. Indifference to new trends would increase the possibility of supervisors continuing outdated work procedures in total ignorance of the necessity for change. Supervisors are expected to always be attentive to new trends in society and consider how their present work fits with the current circumstances.
3 Be Flexible in their Thinking
To cope with changes in society, work operations sometimes require reform. Certain people, however, have a tendency to resist such change. Understanding the logic and background behind past ideas or procedures is all and well very good, but supervisors should refrain from sticking to such precedents without very good reason. The modern day supervisor must be extremely flexible to meet with the rapidly changing needs of society.
4 Be Creative in Setting out Objectives and Planning Work Operations
The main responsibility of supervisors is to see to that work is performed well and that the objectives are fully accomplished. Supervisors are required to adapt their thinking about how this work should be performed in response to new trends in society. They are also expected to be creative in setting out new objectives and planning new work operation to achieve this objective.
5 Respond Swiftly to Changing Circumstances
In recent years as society has become more complex and changes at a faster pace than ever before in history, public administration has had to respond more and more swiftly to new situations as they arise. Under these circumstances, supervisors must be capable of taking decisive action if they are to cope with this change.