THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING

A Complaint of Retribution for Following Procedures

A quality inspector alleges she is suffering retribution because she follows established procedures in documenting all defective hardware and not permitting "hand-backs." As head of Quality, what are your views?

• A Complaint of Retribution for Following Procedures: Answer A

  "Hand-backs allow the production line to fix the hardware and keep the assembly line going. We've got a schedule to meet."

• A Complaint of Retribution for Following Procedures: Answer B

  "We have to work hand-in-glove with production operations. Not charging them for every little mistake makes their record look a little better. After all, we are a team."

• A Complaint of Retribution for Following Procedures: Answer C

  "I'm an experienced inspector and I know what's serious and what isn't. The really serious cases are the ones we want to make sure we document."

• A Complaint of Retribution for Following Procedures: Answer D

  "The policy states all will be documented--and that means all."

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