Senor Payroll by W.E. Barrett
Adaptability Skills
Understanding the story
Answer the following questions. Later you may discuss your answers in the class.
1. What is the job responsibility of the two junior engineers?
The job responsibility of the two junior engineers is to monitor and maintain the steam pressure on the steam-heated coils in the gas plant.
2. What qualities do the stokers have that make them indispensable to the company?
The stokers have qualities such as reliability, skill, and dedication, which make them indispensable to the company. They have intricate knowledge of the plant's operation and can efficiently manage the steam pressure, ensuring smooth functioning.
3. What system of wage payment does the gas company have?
The gas company has a piecework system of wage payment, where the stokers are paid based on the amount of coal they shovel into the furnaces.
4. Why did the company issue the first memo?
The company issued the first memo because the steam pressure had dropped, affecting the production, and they wanted to remind the stokers of their responsibility to maintain proper steam pressure.
5. Why did the stokers start to make up excuses?
The stokers started to make up excuses to cover up their inability to maintain the steam pressure. They were facing challenges due to the increased workload and were finding it difficult to keep up with the demands of the job.
6. Why did they start resigning?
The stokers started resigning because they were unable to cope with the pressure and stress of the job. They assumed different names to conceal their identities, hoping to escape from their responsibilities and find a fresh start elsewhere.
7. Why did they start assuming different names?
The stokers started assuming different names to avoid accountability for their actions. They believed that by adopting new identities, they could evade the consequences of their inability to maintain the steam pressure.
8. What did the company finally do?
The company finally decided to implement a new system where the stokers would be paid based on the steam pressure they maintained rather than the amount of coal they shoveled. This change was made in an attempt to incentivize the stokers to focus on maintaining optimal steam pressure rather than simply shoveling coal.
9. Why did a situation of conflict develop?
A situation of conflict developed between the stokers and the company because of the discrepancy between the expectations of the company and the capabilities of the stokers. The stokers were struggling to meet the demands of the job, leading to a drop in production and financial losses for the company.
10. Who benefited when the conflict was resolved?
When the conflict was resolved and the new system of payment was implemented, both the stokers and the company benefited. The stokers were motivated to perform better as their efforts were directly tied to their pay, and the company saw an improvement in production efficiency and financial performance.
MCQs
Sure, here are the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with options and answers:
1. What is the job responsibility of the two junior engineers?
A) Monitoring water levels in boilers
B) Maintaining steam pressure on steam-heated coils
C) Cleaning coal furnaces
D) Managing gas distribution pipelines
**Answer: B) Maintaining steam pressure on steam-heated coils**
2. What qualities do the stokers have that make them indispensable to the company?
A) Technical expertise and creativity
B) Reliability, skill, and dedication
C) Strong leadership and communication skills
D) Physical strength and endurance
**Answer: B) Reliability, skill, and dedication**
3. What system of wage payment does the gas company have?
A) Hourly wage
B) Monthly salary
C) Piecework system based on coal shoveling
D) Commission-based pay
**Answer: C) Piecework system based on coal shoveling**
4. Why did the company issue the first memo?
A) To appreciate stokers' hard work
B) To remind stokers of their responsibility to maintain steam pressure
C) To announce a promotion for stokers
D) To introduce a new safety protocol
**Answer: B) To remind stokers of their responsibility to maintain steam pressure**
5. Why did the stokers start to make up excuses?
A) To avoid work completely
B) To cover up their inability to maintain steam pressure
C) To request additional training
D) To justify their actions to management
**Answer: B) To cover up their inability to maintain steam pressure**
6. Why did they start resigning?
A) Due to dissatisfaction with working conditions
B) Due to increased workload
C) Due to inability to cope with job pressure and stress
D) Due to relocation to another city
**Answer: C) Due to inability to cope with job pressure and stress**
7. Why did they start assuming different names?
A) To disguise their identities for fun
B) To avoid accountability for their actions
C) To confuse fellow workers
D) To assert their individuality
**Answer: B) To avoid accountability for their actions**
8. What did the company finally do?
A) Fired all stokers
B) Reduced the workload of stokers
C) Implemented a new payment system based on maintained steam pressure
D) Increased coal shoveling targets
**Answer: C) Implemented a new payment system based on maintained steam pressure**
9. Why did a situation of conflict develop?
A) Due to stokers' refusal to work
B) Due to company's failure to provide proper training
C) Discrepancy between company expectations and stokers' capabilities
D) Due to disagreements over work schedules
**Answer: C) Discrepancy between company expectations and stokers' capabilities**
10. Who benefited when the conflict was resolved?
A) Only the stokers
B) Only the company
C) Both the stokers and the company
D) Neither the stokers nor the company
**Answer: C) Both the stokers and the company**
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