Implement a Temporary Sales Tracking System
Assume that you are a cashier and your manager requires that you immediately enter each sale when it occurs. Recently, lunch hour traffic has increased and the assistant manager asks you to avoid delays by taking customers cash and making change without entering sales. The assistant manager says she will add up cash and enter sales after lunch. She says that, in this way, customers will be happy and the register record will always match the cash amount when the manager arrives at three oclock. The advantage of the process proposed by the assistant manager includes improved customer service, fewer delays, and less work for you. The disadvantage is that the assistant manager could steal cash by simply recording less sales than the cash received and then pocketing the excess cash. You decide to reject her suggestion without the managers approval and confront her on the ethics of her suggestion.
Required:
1. Propose and evaluate two other courses of action you might consider, and explain why?
In the situation presented, it is crucial to maintain ethical practices in the workplace while ensuring customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Here are two alternative courses of action that could be considered:
Course of Action 1: Implement a Temporary Sales Tracking System
Proposal:
Instead of bypassing the cash register, propose a temporary sales tracking system during peak hours. This system could involve using a separate notepad or digital device to record each sale as it happens. In doing so, you can continue to process transactions without delays while ensuring accurate sales records are maintained.
Evaluation:
- Advantages:- This method preserves the integrity of the cash register by ensuring that each sale is recorded.
- It allows for quick transactions, minimizing delays for customers during busy lunch hours.
- The records can be easily reconciled with cash taken at the end of each shift, providing transparency.
- Disadvantages:- This method requires additional effort from the cashier, which may not be practical during extremely busy periods.
- There could be potential confusion if the written records are not managed properly, leading to discrepancies.
Course of Action 2: Communicate with Management for Staffing Solutions
Proposal:
Communicate your concerns about the increased lunch hour traffic to your manager and suggest hiring additional staff or temporarily adjusting schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours. This would allow for proper cash handling and sales entry without compromising customer service.
Evaluation:
- Advantages:- Increasing staffing levels could alleviate pressure on existing cashiers, leading to faster service and improved customer experience.
- Proper cash handling procedures would be maintained, reducing the risk of theft or errors.
- It fosters a culture of ethical practices and accountability within the team.
- Disadvantages:- Hiring additional staff may incur extra costs for the company, which management may be reluctant to approve.
- If management does not act on this suggestion, it may lead to continued frustration among cashiers and customers alike.
Conclusion
Both proposed actions focus on maintaining ethical practices while improving service. Implementing a temporary sales tracking system allows for immediate action without compromising cash handling integrity, while communicating with management for staffing solutions addresses the root cause of service delays. Ultimately, fostering an environment of transparency and accountability is essential in any workplace, particularly in roles that handle cash transactions.