Bierderlack has a policy that states that more than three absences in a six-month period will result in a suspension. Chloe, the manager, has just decided to suspend one of her shift employees for violating this policy. This is an example of
a. a nonprogrammed decision.
b. an insignificant decision.
c. a personal grudge.
d. poor management.
e. a programmed decision.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: e. a programmed decision.
A programmed decision refers to a routine or repetitive decision that follows established guidelines or policies. These decisions are often made in response to structured problems that have occurred frequently enough for an organization to develop standard procedures for handling them.
In the case of Bierderlack, the company has a clear, established policy that more than three absences in a six-month period will result in a suspension. This policy provides a predefined rule for managers to follow when evaluating employee attendance. Chloe, as the manager, is simply applying this policy to make a decision about suspending an employee. She is not using subjective judgment, nor is she creating a new solution for a unique or unfamiliar situation. Therefore, this is a programmed decision—it follows a structured, rule-based approach.
Programmed decisions are essential in business operations because they increase efficiency, consistency, and fairness in the handling of recurring issues. By adhering to a set policy, managers avoid favoritism, reduce uncertainty, and ensure that all employees are treated equally under the same rules. In Chloe’s case, suspending an employee for excessive absences maintains organizational discipline and upholds the company’s standards.
This situation should not be confused with a nonprogrammed decision, which involves unique or complex problems that require custom solutions and managerial judgment. It is also not insignificant, as it affects employee performance and morale. There’s no indication of a personal grudge, and Chloe is actually demonstrating good management by enforcing company policy fairly and consistently.
In conclusion, because Chloe is acting in accordance with a predefined rule, this decision is clearly programmed—a routine application of policy to a familiar and predictable situation.
