HIT AND MISS MANUFACTURING: A Star is Born

The head of HR deparment, Atty. Mila Bravo was directed by the company president to act as leader
of a committee whose task is to revise and update the current compensation scheme of the company.

The president designated the following as members of the committee:

1. The accountant
2. The executive secretary
3. An employee in one of the operating units
4. An officer of the labor union
5. The internal auditor
6. A representative from the public

During the first meeting, the seven members were all present. The president made a briefing regarding
the purpose of the group, the circumstances that lead to the formation of the group, and his expectations
about the group’s output.

The group proceeded to determine the various factors relevant to the determination of the rates of
the various jobs. Most of the members of the committee, however, cannot devote the time required to finish
the job within the time frame indicated by the president. It turned out later that it was not only time that
hinders the committee’s effectiveness. The first two meetings were held without much fuss. Everybody was
given the opportunity to air his or her views about the various matters forwarded for discussion.

For one reason or another, the accountant failed to appear in the succeeding meetings. He never
attempted to explain his position to the committee leader or to any member, but his body language
indicated that he was too busy doing more important concerns for the president and the board of directors.
He tried to communicate with the public representative asking for information about developments in the
committee’s work. Outside of the meetings, he indicated to one member his objections to some of the
matters that were deliberated and approved by the committee. As the meetings progressed and without his
active participation, he made piecemeal reports to the president.

When the committee submitted its final report, the president was not satisfied and he voiced his
objections that were clearly the objections of the accountant.

The other members of the group were dismayed about the actions of the accountant and they
vowed not to participate again in whatever committee work where the accountant is assigned as a member.

Guide questions to answer the case:

1. What errors have been committed by the committee members? By the president?
2. Who should be responsible for the errors?