The chief task of a supervisor of a trained clerical staff with the normal work load to perform is to:

• A. Give continual direction to each employee.
• B. Keep up potential or intensity of group effort.
• C. Revise rules and regulations in order to impress the staff with his autocratic rights.
• D. Criticize the work of each employee regularly in order to show his superior knowledge.

Answer: (B)

Keeping up the group's effort is the primary responsibility. For a supervisor overseeing trained clerical staff with a normal workload, the focus should be on maintaining momentum, motivating the team, and coordinating tasks so the group works smoothly and efficiently. This involves setting clear goals, providing support and resources, and enabling cooperation rather than hovering over every individual action. When the supervisor concentrates on sustaining the group’s effort, productivity and morale stay higher.

Giving continual directions to each employee can sap initiative and waste time, as staff typically perform best with some autonomy once expectations are clear. Rewriting rules to display autocratic rights undermines morale and isn’t necessary for normal operations. Regularly criticizing each employee to show superior knowledge is demoralizing and counterproductive.