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Management
Concept Version 13
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Taking Corrective Action

Taking corrective action requires identifying the problem and implementing a potential solution.

Learning Objective

  • Model the problem-solving process of identifying contributing factors, taking corrective action, and assessing the effectiveness of a solution


Key Points

    • Managers need to understand the contributing factors of a problem and how it impacts key processes; they must then figure out a workable solution.
    • Step one in the problem-solving process is identifying the problem, which can be hard to distinguish from symptoms of the problem.
    • Once the problem is identified, the manager must decide what corrective action to take. In many ways, identifying and solving a problem (the control process) is a process, not a silver bullet.
    • Organizations may decide to discuss a problem and potential solutions with stakeholders.

Terms

  • tacit

    Not derived from formal principles of reasoning; based on induction rather than deduction.

  • dichotomies

    Two elements, often mutually exclusive, that stand in juxtaposition to one another.


Full Text

Taking corrective action is one of the three essential elements of the control process. If result of the control process don't meet company standards, then it needs to be revamped to meet organizational goals.

Managers are Problem Solvers

One key aspect of taking corrective action is problem-solving. Managers need to understand the contributing factors of a problem and how it impacts key processes; they must then figure out a workable solution. Once the solution is plotted, it is important to determine how best to implement it. This problem-solving process is the central consideration for effective corrective action.

Identify the Problem

Step one in the problem-solving process is identifying the problem, which can be hard to distinguish from symptoms of the problem: it can be easy to mistake repercussions of a problem for the problem itself. Gathering information and measuring each process carefully is prerequisite to pinpointing the problem and taking the proper corrective action.

Common Mistakes

Attempts at corrective action are often unsuccessful because of failures in the problem-solving process, like not having enough information to isolate the real problem, or a decision maker who has a stake in the process and may not want to admit that their department made an error. Another reason why a decision-making process may result in an incorrect solution is that the decision-maker was never properly trained to analyze a problem.

Outline Corrective Action Method

Once the problem is identified, and a method of corrective action is determined, it needs to be implemented as quickly as possible. A map of checkpoints and deadlines, assigned to individuals in a clear and concise manner, facilitates prompt implementation. In many ways, the control process must also be a process. Its steps can vary greatly depending on the issue being addressed, but in all cases it should be clear how the corrective actions will lead to the desired results.

Next, schedule an analysis of the effectiveness of the solution. This way if the corrective action doesn't create the expected results, further action can be taken before the organization falls even further behind in meeting its goals. Organizations may decide to discuss a problem and potential solutions with stakeholders. It is useful to have some contingency plans in place, as employees, customers, or vendors may have unique perspectives on the problem that management lacks that can lead to a more effective solution.

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