A study of time allotments to first-line supervisory activities in Texas Manufacturing industries with implications for training programs

Abstract

The subject of this study was the job-related activities of first-line supervisors in Texas Manufacturing industries. The objective of the study was to make determinations with respect to three aspects of the activities of supervisors. These were: (1) activities which varied from one position to another in the amount of time allocated, (2) the extent of the variation among positions, and (3) the factors which contribute to variability. Activities were preselected to reflect the scope of supervisory functions at the first level of supervision. The investigation included positions which were representative of supervisory assignments found in manufacturing industries in Texas. The purpose in making these determinations was to acquire information to assist in the development of more effectual training courses for first-line supervisory personnel. The study was limited to first-line supervisors employed by selected companies listed in the 1970 Directory of Texas Manufacturers. The inquiry included only supervisors assigned to production, maintenance, shipping, receiving, and warehousing departments. The investigation was confined to a determination of how the time of supervisors was actually allocated; no effort was made to establish the optimum allocation of time..