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that cannot be handled anymore are the matters that our president gets to decide on.

1. Explain to a client why you can’t decide on the special discount that he is
asking for. Give the reasons below.

a. the percentage of discount has to be decided on by a higher authority
b. you have to follow standard operating procedures which prohibit you
from making the decision

Sample answer:
Mr. Yang, I have to be honest with you. We really cannot give you the discount that you’re ask-
ing for because it is beyond our authority to decide on it. However, we can relay your request
to the next higher office, but it might take some time for us to make a decision. We also have
to keep track of what’s happening in the market today, so that we can accurately assess if we
can confidently grant your request. I hope you understand that this is a unique situation. We
are just sticking to the standard operating procedure in our company that states that discounts
similar to the ones you’re asking for should be decided on by our supervisors. I hope you un-
derstand.

2. As the area supervisor, instruct your area managers about the scope of their
decision-making responsibilities regarding the following aspects.

a. administrative
b. manufacturing
c. closing deals
d. approving discounts

Sample answer:
Thank you for attending this meeting! We have set this meeting to clarify any confusion regard-
ing the scope of your decision-making authority for our business. First, you have to consider
the area that you are handling. If you are assigned to a division or a region, then your authority
is commensurate to that. You may make decisions concerning administrative matters. This can
include the mentoring of employees and their performance. You have to make sure that our
staff is efficient and hardworking. You can also make decisions regarding manufacturing. That’s
why you have to be familiar with the manufacturing process, so that you can make sound deci-
sions regarding it. You also stand as the representative of our company, so that means you can
initiate and close deals. This is, of course, something that you have to with close coordination
with your boss. To a certain extent, you are also allowed to offer discounts, that is, those that do
not exceed 5%. Anything that goes beyond that is subject to the approval of your boss. I hope
these things are clear. Don’t hesitate to consult the job description manual or call me if you
have any questions about this matter. Thanks for your time.

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