Foreman: Duties, Qualifications and Qualities | Industries

After reading this article you will learn about:- 1. Introduction to Foreman 2. Duties and Responsibilities of a Foreman/the Supervisor’s Job 3. Qualifications 4. Qualities.

Introduction to Foreman:

A Foreman generally designated by Supervisor (in most of the industries) is a person in charge of, and coordinator of, the activities of a group of workers engaged in one type of task. A Foreman/supervisor is a vital link between the management and the workers.

A foreman is the person who actually gives practical shape to the policies of the enterprise, with the help of workmen. Information, both vertically upwards or downwards passes through the foreman. A foreman is concerned with the direct supervision of the workers.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Foreman/the Supervisor’s Job:

1. Towards Management:

a. To transmit management policies to workers.

b. To accept full responsibility for all the work in his department.

c. To transmit worker’s feelings to management.

d. To keep management informed of the work-progress.

e. To get the required production out in time.

f. Refer promptly the matters to management which need their attention.

g. To take up cases of promotion, transfer and dismissal of workers with the management.

h. To make plans and devise methods to boost productive efficiency and product quality.

i. Devise ways to minimize waste and scrap.

j. To keep records for future action.

k. To render reports to management as desired.

2. Towards Workers:

a. To instruct workers about,

i. Company policies and procedures.

ii. The right method of doing the job.

iii. The job ahead.

b. To listen patiently the workers, their suggestions and complaints.

c. To maintain discipline.

d. To develop a sense of belonging in the workers.

e. To maintain neat, clean and safe working conditions.

f. Divide work among workers in accordance with their capacity and skill.

g. To represent workers to management.

h. Encourage and train workers to take responsibilities.

i. To promote and transfer workers in an impartial manner.

j. Develop harmony, cooperation and team work.

k. To rate workers for determining their wage rates.

l. To train the workers on the job.

m. Develop worker’s initiative and interest in the job and to motivate them.

n. Setting good example in punctuality, temperament, leadership, efficiency, etc.

3. Towards Fellow Supervisors:

a. To cooperate with them in making company policies a success.

b. To give respect to suggestions of fellow supervisors.

c. To coordinate work with other departments.

d. Passing any information pertaining to other associates, to them.

e. Sitting together with other colleagues to solve common problems.

f. Encouraging interchange of good workers through promotion and transfer, etc.

g. To avoid the creation of ill-feeling among fellow supervisors.

4. Towards Work:

a. To plan the work.

b. To make sure that the material is available for the work.

c. To make sure that the necessary equipment and tools are also available.

d. To lay out each job.

e. To distribute work to workforce as per individual capabilities.

f. To see that the work is being accomplished as per the scheduled plan.

g. To ensure proper material handling.

h. To ensure smooth flow of work.

i. To coordinate work of different sections,

j. To check the work as regards quantity and quality.

k. To keep abreast with the modern developments in his own field of work.

Qualifications of a Foreman:

(i) Suitable engineering qualification to understand the technical aspects of the job, production processes, equipment, etc.

(ii) Skill to meet the demands of the job.

(iii) Mechanical ability.

(iv) Skill in imparting instructions to the workers.

(v) Familiarity with.

1. Production control.

2. Quality control.

3. Safety practices.

4. Machine management.

5. Record keeping.

6. Merit rating.

7. Costing and Estimating, etc.

(vi) Ability to train workers,

(vii) Ability to handle (i.e. supervise and control) workers properly.

(viii) Elementary knowledge of labour psychology.

(ix) Familiarity with modern developments in the field, etc.

Qualities of a Foreman:

(i) Democratic leadership.

(ii) Result consciousness

(iii) Judgment and decision making in an existing situation.

(iv) Full knowledge of men, materials and machines.

(v) Versatility and ingenuity.

(vi) A cooperative sympathetic and helpful attitude towards others.

(vii) Just, fair and impartial attitude towards all his subordinates.

(viii) Self-control and firmness.

(ix) Ability to develop an organisation.

(x) Ability to plan and control work.

(xi) Willful acceptance of responsibility.

(xii) Constructive and independent thinking, etc.