Idea Discouragement System

By Karen Wilhelm

Here’s a real example of how NOT to manage an idea generation system. This exchange of letters took place at a Chrysler assembly plant in 1961. They were submitted by my granddad, a toolmaker, and proud member of ASTE, the original name of SME.

Suggestion Submittal

5 improvements to processes, as described below:

Shorten the unnecessarily long stroke of the ram for grease seal pressing. For some unknown reason the present stroke is 18 inches when half of that would suffice. Sketches are attached showing details.

Solve present excessive wear on cup-leathers due to inside to outside bearing action by more accurately positioning ram over hub.

Remove present safety hazard of some operators actually placing bearing in hubs after sending ram on non-stoppable down stroke.

Offer a stand-up operation at 49 inch height instead of 19 inch sitting down. This would make operation cycle time four times faster.

Reduce number of required cup-leathers to two (1 each machine) by removing the top and bottom heads of the cylinder, and drilling one 7/8 dia hole.

J.R. McWhorter

Reply by the Suggestion System Committee:

XXXX CORPORATION - Suggestion System
L O S A N G E L E S P L A N T

Suggestion No, LA-XXXX
Date: 12-28-XXXX

Mr. John R. McWhorter
6526 E. Olympic
Los Angeles 33, California

Dear Suggester:

We are happy to report that your suggestion has been received by our Suggestion Committee. Thank you very much for submitting it. Ideas are so essential if we are to continue to make progress and improve our American Way of Life. It is impossible as yet to determine whether your proposal will prove successful, however, be assured that your idea will be thoroughly investigated by representatives of each of the several departments capable of passing sound judgment as to the merits of your idea. As soon as possible you will be advised of the results of our investigation.

Should your idea be usable, it must then be approved by the Suggestion Committee. Following this, our Accounting Department will study the results of its usage to determine the amount of a fair and equitable award as provided for by the rules of the Chrysler Corporation Employee Suggestion Plan.

In the event that your idea must be declined, you will be notified by letter at to the reasons for it being declined.

You will readily recognize that this process will take some time, however, please feel free to write or ‘phone us concerning your Suggestion and in such event, kindly refer to the Suggestion Number shown on your suggestion stub.

Best wishes for many award-winning ideas!

Your Plant Suggestion Committee