Management Audit: Personnel Audit
A SIMPLE AND QUICK CHECKLIST.
Designed by D.Shistohilis

Please answer with a Yes or No

A. Employees know what is expected of them. ----- -----

1. Each employee has only one supervisor. ----- -----
2. Supervisors have authority commensurate with responsibility. ----- -----
3. Employees volunteer critical information to their supervisor. ----- -----
4. Employees are using their skills on the job. ----- -----
5. Employees feel adequately trained. ----- -----

B. Each employee has a job description. ----- -----

1. Employees can accurately describe what they do. ----- -----
2. Employees do what is expected. ----- -----
3. Work load is distributed equitably. ----- -----
4. Employees receive feedback on performance. ----- -----
5. Employees are rewarded for good performance. ----- -----
6. Employees are familiar with company policies. ----- -----
7. There is a concise policy manual. ----- -----

C. Preventive discipline is used when appropriate. ----- -----

1. Employees are informed when performance is below standard. ----- -----
2. Unexcused absences are dealt with immediately. ----- ----
3. Theft prevention measures are in place. ----- -----

D. Regular employee meetings are conducted. ----- -----

1. Employees' ideas are solicited at meetings. ----- -----
2. An agenda is given to employees prior to the meeting. ----- -----

Personnel Analysis

A. Employees know what is expected of them.

Surprisingly, many employees do not know what is expected of them. This appears to be true even when the employees are family members. In the cases that dealt with personnel problems, this was also the case. Poor communications can result in arguments, hurt feelings and poor performance. Despite all that has been written on the importance of good communications in business, it is still a major problem.

1. Each employee has only one supervisor.

In most of the cases that dealt with personnel issues, the major problems occurred when employees did not know who their boss was. The owners also were very confused about who reported to whom. A simple organizational chart can quickly solve this problem. It is important that every employee have only one boss; two bosses often make contradictory demands that make it impossible for the employee to do either job effectively. This creates ill will and destroys teamwork and productivity.

2. Supervisors have authority commensurate with responsibility.

Too often a supervisor has responsibility without the proper authority. This undermines the supervisor and confuses the employees. When owners do not delegate the necessary authority, they destroy their own profits. Often the ability to delegate authority properly has not been learned by small business owners. The cause of poor delegation is often simply the result of poor planning. Clearly thinking through the mission and purpose of the business and establishing achievable goals is an important part of delegating effectively.