Final answer:
Busywork or make work is when a supervisor creates tasks for others to appear busy, even if those tasks are unnecessary or low-value. This behavior can have negative effects on employee morale and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The behavior you described, where a supervisor creates work for others to appear busy, is commonly referred to as "busywork" or "make work". Busywork can involve assigning unnecessary or low-value tasks to employees just to keep them occupied or create the perception of productivity.
Employers or supervisors may engage in busywork for various reasons, such as maintaining control or demonstrating their own importance. However, it can be detrimental to employee morale and productivity, as it diverts attention and resources away from meaningful and impactful work.
It is important for supervisors to focus on assigning meaningful tasks that align with the overall goals of the organization and provide value to the employees involved.