What should the governing body do if an administrator reduces the dietary service manager's hours to save money?

When an administrator reduces the dietary service manager's hours to save money, the governing body has the responsibility to ensure that such decisions do not adversely affect the quality of services provided or compliance with regulations. While one potential response could be to reprimand the administrator, it is more critical to understand the implications of the decision.

Supporting the administrator may seem viable, but it is essential for the governing body to evaluate whether this change aligns with best practices and the needs of the facility. Ignoring the decision is not an option, as it could lead to further issues regarding staff burnout, service quality, and employee morale. Creating a new policy for staffing could be beneficial in the long term but may not immediately address the specific concern regarding the dietary service manager’s reduced hours.

Reprimanding the administrator implies that there was likely a breach of protocol or oversight that could negatively impact operational efficiency or safety. In cases where a decision affects essential services, accountability is key, and the governing body should intervene to make sure actions taken align with organizational goals and ensure staff workloads and services remain consistent with health and safety standards. Therefore, this option reflects a proactive approach to governance and accountability in the institution.