Victor Gomez has served as supervisor of the account payable section of this firm for the past ten years. Gomez takes great pains to see that all invoice details are checked twice by his accounting clerks. Unknown to his clerks, Gomez manually spot-checks 10-15 percent of their work, which he is required to initial for approval. Other aspects of his supervisory style seem unique. For example, he insists that all employees keep neat desks (which he monitors each workweek). Also, from 8:50 to 9:10 a.m. each day, Gomez positions himself near the office entrance to check on his workers' punctuality.

None of Gomez's five clerks have objected to his supervisory style. In fact, he is very popular with the group. He keeps records of their birthdays and other important anniversaries in order to remember them in some special way. He also seems to be very sympathetic to their personal needs for time off from work when the occasion demands it.

Gomez's section has an excellent record of productivity. Largely for this reason, he has been chosen to "move up" to the position of administrative manager. In this position, he will be responsible for five sections, each headed by a supervisor who, in turn, is responsible for the work of eight to ten persons, depending on the section involved.

As he starts his new job, Gomez has a good talk with himself in which he looks back approvingly at the success of his work as accounts payable supervisor. Thus, he believes he can effectively manage the entire office using the same leadership style.

Discussion Questions

1. What important problem (s) would you anticipate in this case? You must defend the style of management you chose for Gomez.
2. Considering Gomez's work history, how would you expect him to delegate work? Does it appear that he has applied equally well the principles of management?
3. How would you classify his management style? Do you feel that his past style will be effective in this relationship with his workers? Explain.