Missy Knowles is in charge of all technical developments at Gumby Polymer Rubber. She makes all the choices concerning product innovations in the company. She finds that she is overworked and that several of her research chemists seem to be spending work hours playing golf. What managerial advice would you provide to Gumby Polymer Rubber? Clearly explain your reasoning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is By centralizing decision rights she is overworked while the scientists are not working! The scientists may have specific information about technical matters and rubber innovation that may be used for the good of GPR if some decisions were decentralized. In addition to changing decision rights Knowles should also revisit the reward and evaluations systems for scientists. They currently are acting as if their compensation is completely unrelated to their productivity (or lack thereof) or even whether they are physically in the lab or on a golf course.

Missy Knowles Is in Charge of All Technical Developments at Gumby