Cost control and cost consciousness should be the continuing concerns of all supervisors. When top-level managers issue cost-cutting orders, supervisors should avoid extreme measures that may in the long run be more costly than the reductions themselves.

Involving employees in cost-reduction efforts is one way the effective supervisor creates cost awareness. Suggestion programs can be used to solicit employee ideas for potential cost-reduction areas.

The supervisor should constantly seek ways to eliminate costs. Periodically, the supervisor should look at the department “through the eyes of a stranger”

and question the necessity of everything done in the department.? K-526