Fire and Emergency Services Company Officer: Leadership, Supervision, and Planning

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering planning functions, task management, organizational values, key terms, references, and the ethical violation action plan skill sheet from Chapter 3: Leadership and Supervision.

According to Chapter 3, what is the role and definition of planning in an organization?

Planning determines in advance what an organization, a group, or an individual should do and how it will get done; it is the foundation of the management process.

How do the planning roles of chief officers/administrative staff differ from those of company officers?

Chief officers and administrative staff develop formal organizational plans, whereas company officers must decide how to implement them.

Why must organizational planning be documented in a timely manner?

Documentation provides evidence of the decisions made, serves as a guide for future planning, and assists in determining why a plan needs to be altered and how to do it if goals are not met.

Into what two broad categories are plans divided based on their frequency of use?

Standing plans and single-use plans.

What are standing plans, and what purpose do they serve in an emergency services unit?

Standing plans include policies, procedures, and rules used frequently to manage day-to-day emergency and nonemergency unit activities. They ensure consistent and equal application of authority while defining responsibility.

What is the primary function and duration of single-use plans?

Single-use plans accomplish a specific objective (such as developing a program, project, or budget) and are usually intended to reach that objective within a short time period.

How do strategic plans differ from operational/administrative plans?

Strategic plans are subjective and consider external factors (economy, demographics, service requirements, hazards, technology) to chart a course over an indefinite future. Operational/administrative plans are objective, fact-based plans that focus on how objectives will be accomplished using factors within the organization's control.

What is the definition and function of a contingency plan?

A plan designed to create alternative courses of action that can be implemented in the event of unforeseen events that make original plans unsuitable.

Which four management skills are required for a company officer to successfully complete a task?

Planning, organizing, controlling, and evaluating skills.

When a company officer delegates tasks to unit personnel, where do final responsibility and authority remain?

Although appropriate responsibility and authority are delegated to employees to give them a sense of ownership, final responsibility and authority always remain with the company officer.

What tools should a company officer utilize to track task progress on more complex tasks?

Flow charts or program (or project) evaluation and review technique (PERT) charts.

How does a company officer's responsibility toward the organizational code of conduct differ from that of team members?

While all members must adhere to the organizational mission, core values, and rules and regulations, company officers must also actively support and enforce these codes of conduct.

What is identified as the best way for a company officer to support and enforce organizational codes of conduct?

Being a positive role model.

What operational role do the organizational mission, core values, and rules and regulations play for fire service members?

They are the minimum standards that guide member behavior and direct decisions both at emergency scenes and during daily operations.

Which researchers authored the foundational 1959 study "The Bases of Social Power"?

J. R. P. French and B. H. Raven.

Who formulated the classic developmental sequence models for small groups in 1965 and 1977?

Bruce W. Tuckman (collaborating with M. A. C. Jensen in 1977).

What management publication did G. T. Doran author in 1981 regarding goal setting?

"There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives."

How is "Diversity" defined in Chapter 3 Key Terms?

The inclusion of people of different races or cultures in a group or organization in order to create a global-thinking approach to problem solving and to increase organizational performance through enhanced city, departmental, and employee awareness.

What is the definition of "Emotional Intelligence (EI)," and what other designation is it known by?

An individual's ability to correctly perceive and label their own and others' emotions; it is also known as Emotional Quotient (EQ).

How is "Ethics" defined in Chapter 3 Key Terms?

A system of moral principles governing the perception of right and wrong.

What is the textbook definition of "Group Dynamics"?

Behaviors, processes, and interactions that occur between members of a social group.

How does Chapter 3 define "Inclusiveness"?

The degree to which a workplace or organization has created an environment in which everyone is treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute fully to the organization's success.

How does Chapter 3 distinguish between "Leadership" and "Management"?

Leadership is the ability to motivate other people to follow your example and do the things that you want them to do. Management is the process of accomplishing organizational objectives through effective and efficient handling of resources; official, sanctioned leadership.

What is a Program (or Project) Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) Chart?

A statistical tool used in project management that is designed to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a given project.

According to Skill Sheet 3-1 [NFPA 1020, 9.3.5], who should the company officer collaborate with when addressing an ethical violation?

Supervisors, Human Resources professionals, or both.

What is Step 1 in Skill Sheet 3-1: Developing an action plan that addresses an ethical violation?

Analyze the situation for potential ethical violations.

What two actions must be completed during Step 2 of Skill Sheet 3-1?

Create an action plan to address the situation by: (a) describing the ethical violation, and (b) describing possible ways to rectify the unethical action.

What are the five detailed actions required to implement an action plan (Step 3) in Skill Sheet 3-1?

a. Discuss the ethical violation with the subordinate; b. Allow the subordinate to explain the reason or personal rationalizations for the ethical violation; c. Explain why the behavior is unethical; d. Gain a commitment from the subordinate to rectify the situation; e. Schedule a follow-up with the subordinate.

What actions are required in Steps 4 and 5 of Skill Sheet 3-1?

Step 4: Document the action plan implementation and utilize the organization's records system to store the documentation. Step 5: Follow up with the subordinate to confirm rectification, document the follow-up in the records system, and report the situation to superiors if indicated by SOPs.