What is the most appropriate action to take if performance issues arise in certain departments?

Investigating the causes behind performance issues is the most appropriate action to take because it allows management to identify the root of the problems rather than just addressing symptoms. Understanding the underlying causes can lead to targeted solutions that are more effective in improving performance.

This analytical approach facilitates informed decision-making and enables the development of strategies tailored to the specific circumstances of the departments affected. Without this understanding, any actions taken might be superficial and fail to bring about lasting improvements. For instance, simply rewarding all departments without understanding the performance issues could misallocate resources and not solve the underlying problems. Ignoring the issues or only communicating them would also do little to resolve the challenges being faced, leading to ongoing inefficiencies.