[Problem Solving Guide-Home]

Ask yourself the questions. Does your organisation do these things?

• Are all staff are made aware that it is the organisation's policy to promote and support originality and innovation?
• Can people can follow their ideas through from conception to execution?
•  Does the organisation successfuly operates schemes to promote problem solving activities eg a suggestion scheme, quality circles?
• Is there is good communication between ranks?
• Are people are given a large amount of responsibility for their work?
• Is reasonable risk-taking is encouraged?
• Are people are more concerned with new ideas than with defending their turf?
• Are good ideas are rewarded, either by recognition, promotion or financially?
• Are there are no barriers to commu­nication between departmental functions?
• Are there are no barriers to using resour­ces from other departments?
• Are mistakes are tolerated in the cause of innovation?
• Does the organisation makes a high invest­ment in providing good facilities and pleasant surroundings?
•  Is specific training for problem solving is available to staff?
• Are resources are set aside specifically for people to develop new ideas?

Remember

• Effective problem solving requires a stimulating  and supportive environment.
• Aspects of the organisation's policies and procedures, the style of management and the physical environment can help or hinder problem solving.
• Whatever your role, you can help to create an environment which encourages and supports effective problem solving.