Problem
James Murray, plant manager at Frame Manufacturing Company, is chairman of the ad hoc committee for space utilisation. This committee comprises various departmental heads. The general manager has given James the responsibility of seeing whether various office operations and warehouse facilities of the company are being optimally used. Frame Manufacturing is beset by rising costs and a need for more space. Before authorising an expensive addition to the plant, however, the general manager wants to be sure that the current space is being properly used. Mr Murray started his first meeting by explaining the charge of the committee. He asked members if they had any initial observation. First to speak was the office manager. "Well, I know we are using every inch of room that we have available, but when I walk out into the plant I see a lot of open spaces. We have people piled on top of one another on the inside, but out in the plant there is plenty of room." The production manager quickly responded, "We do not have a lot of space. Office staff have luxury facilities. My supervisors do not even have room for a desk and a filing cabinet. I have repeatedly told the plant manager that we need more space. After all, our operation determines whether this plant succeeds or fails, unlike you people in the front office pushing paper around." James interrupted at this point and said, "Obviously we have different interpretations for use of space around here. But before any further discussion, I think it would be best if an industrial engineer were to provide us with statistics on plant and office layout before our next meeting. Today's meeting is adjourned." Adapted
1. Define perception and state its value to the study of organizational behavior.
2. Outline two perceptual issues evident in this case.
3. The production manager labelled the office workers 'paper pushers'. (a) Do you think this is a fair assessment of the role of office workers? (b) Say why.
4. Suggest two findings of the industrial engineer.
5. If you were in Murray's position, how would you have handled this situation?