10. Communication problems in companies

Management can cause communication problems by refusing to listen to a worker explain a problem. Since a manager will not make a simple adjustment, the problem lingers. When no way exists for two way communication between labor and management, then you have a communication problem. The managers keep pouring more and more unreasonable demands on individuals or for unknown reasons pick on particular individuals. Some companies get around that particular problem with a labor advocate. When a middle manager makes unreasonable demands, the people under him can go to the advocate, who can go over his head and talk to the next boss up the scale. That way the person lodging the complaint will not fear being fired. Some companies have unionized simply to have a shop steward who will go between labor and top management to keep middle management from picking on certain individuals and making unreasonable demands on others.

Another cause is misplaced paperwork. If a piece of paperwork such as a bill of lading is not waiting on the loading dock, it can create a mess holding up shipping. The person responsible for shipping the order has to remain on the loading dock. It is not a secure area. He can not go searching for it. Someone else has to find it. That person must be able to leave his job. Know what it is. And know how to trace it down.