NAVAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT

As radiomen advance, they can expect to assume additional authority and responsibility. A first class or chief will most likely be placed in charge as a watch supervisor, leading petty officer or chief, or even as a division officer. These are only a few of the many leadership positions to which they might be assigned. In summary, eventually, a career Radioman is going to be a manager.

The Navy has conducted extensive studies to pinpoint problems in the area of communications organization and management. These were done to allow communications personnel to take corrective action on the problem areas. Use of sound managerial principles helps us accomplish our mission.

All levels of management require an evaluation standard. Managers are then able to properly evaluate specific communication systems or components. Such an evaluation provides a basis for comparison of equipment, personnel, and even complete facilities. This evaluation forms the basis for establishing additional standards and guidelines. A continuing evaluation requires data collection via a system of feedback reports from all managerial levels.

EVALUATING PERFORMANCE

Effectiveness of naval communications is the first consideration in the management of any communications facility. The overall capability must be viewed in relation to each functional unit. Standards of performance can be established and control elements determined. An evaluation of the entire system must be completed by the highest level of command. Each operational unit must be scrutinized by the chief or first class in charge.

Establishing Standards

Standards of performance must be established to determine the effectiveness of operations and service provided against customer requirements and system capability. Standards must be established for internal functions as well as for overall system performance. After performance standards are established, the control elements and manner of control can be determined.

It is most important that performance standards be established in the general areas of reliability, speed, security and economy. These areas can be broken down into standards for internal operation, equipment, personnel, maintenance, supply, and so forth.

Realistic standards of performance must be established. This allows maximum use of resources without overcommitment. The standards must be compatible with command requirements and within resource capability. The standards must also be flexible enough to allow for changing operating conditions. Skill levels and manning levels change constantly. Equipment status and configurations are never stable. Operating conditions and commitments change from day to day. Therefore, each communications facility manager must establish flexible standards to accommodate changing requirements and situations.

Management Responsibilities

Mid-management radiomen must realize the need for progressively improving standards. The following points may assist mid-management radiomen in improving standards within their division:

l Overcoming Resistance- The practice of relying on past performance as a basis for establishing standards is often sound. With an organized effort, however, conditions can be changed to improve performance. If the personnel responsible for better performances participate in the organized effort, the problem of resistance to higher standards is often eliminated.

l Improving Conditions- Owing to the rapid growth and change in the character of communications systems, considerable managerial effort must be devoted to improving the effectiveness of operations and service. The essential approach to this type of problem can be summarized in a sequence of three stages:

- Discovery of the problems; that is, what part of an existing condition needs improving;

Diagnosis to determine what changes are needed to bring about the needed improvement; and

Remedial action; that is, implementing the necessary changes.

Responsibility- Responsibilities must be established in accordance with the organizational structure and be clearly defined.

Organizational Considerations- Leading radiomen must realize that the existing organizational structure may be a contributing factor to poor personnel performance. In such instances, recommendations to realign the organizational structure must be seriously considered.

Conservation of Personnel Resources- The communications facilities manager must be constantly aware of the need to conserve personnel resources at all levels. Conservation of personnel resources is accomplished by evaluating personnel requirements properly and by using available personnel effectively through proper training and assignment.