When Does Folklore Begin 4174

No, we have analysed this "middle manager squeeze" quite thoroughly at PPOE; and have concluded the middle manager (shift leader, PHB, foreman) is actually doing his-her best, but the communication upwards does not work rationally.

The middle manager in a normal company, following standard guidelines, has authorisation to approve overtime and small unbudgeted expenses; usually in the $200-$250 range. They can also use temp personell as long as there is no hire.

New hires and further expenses will have to climb the corporate chain, and will need the umbtious business case attached. Siad business case may consist of loud screaming of the phone. (Middle managers normally are the ones with good verbal and people skills, and are not normally the best at formal descriptions).

The operational horizon for such a manager is somewhere between a few hours (fill a shift, get gear running) and a month. Never more than a month, than it is a new report to the boss, new tasks, and who knows if there is a rebuttignment pending.

This is why all the rental "quick fixes" at $199.50-month sell so well, and ditto for consultants that only invoice 1-5th of their time per company.

There is also a "$199.50" ceiling for small capital equipment like phones, tools, comms gear, etc. Because the middle manager needing it can directly fill out the purchase order.

because, that is what he is authorised to do. One month at a time. As long as the problem gets solved, and the manager does not overstep his formal authorisation everyone is happy.

As I said, there is a squeeze involving these middle managers.

-- mrr