Reference no: EM132821712

Diamond Tools Limited launched an extensive management development program several years back. The supervisors at all levels, participated in the in-company programs and in addition, they were also encouraged to improve their skills by takingright courses at local colleges at company expenses. The time the program was initiated and at subsequent management development meetings, top management mentioned that the program was designed to improve the supervisors as managers and to qualify them for future promotions within the company.

Ms. Lora, a section supervisor, has been with the company for more than ten years. She has diligently participated in the company management development program and attended several night courses at a college in order to improve knowledge of her job. However, twice during the last two years the company has hired outsiders to fill managerial vacancies in Ms. Lora's department. In each case Ms. Lora and other section supervisors in the department applied for the vacancy and felt that their experience with the company plus the additional knowledge gained through the management development programs made them better qualified than the outsiders who were hired. Ms. Lora and her fellow supervisors questioned whether management development program of the company is worthwhile if outsiders fill in the vacancies.

At a recent appraisal meeting, Ms. Lora brought up the issue for discussion with her Department Manager. She told to her Department Manager that in many cases no supervisor within the company is considered to be qualified for the managerial opening. Ms. Lora expressed the opinion that the company's management development program was a waste of time for the supervisors when the higher management did not recognize the knowledge and experience gained by them. The Manager explained that it takes time to develop the supervisor for higher level responsibilities. Department Manager added that individuals were rewarded for their self-improvement efforts through extra merit salary increases associated with the annual performance appraisal.

Questions:

1. Should the company continue to give emphasis to the promotional opportunities, which are linked with management development program? Give reasons.

2. Make suggestions to the higher management to avoid any undesirable situation because of the dissatisfaction among supervisors.