Icy,
The two facilities that I have registered and a third location that reached compliance but didn't want the registration costs were very different. I think the approach taken in regards to this are reflection of this.
1st place - everyone was very well crossed trained. Had a program that each manager would move to another department for 3 months each year so that they could help during vacation time. To be honest, we could have passed with only 3 people there due to the effectiveness of this system. (over 10000 employees NA wide)
2nd place - very empowering where managers could make decisions and not be worried about being "given a new one". Great training in management techniques with good leadership. Over 500 employees.
3rd place - at the very early stages of quality development where many people have never been trained in the basics of quality systems or quality techniques. Initially very old school, therefore, to ensure an understanding the step was taken to ensure the top people were there (i.e. Ops Man, myself, Prod Man, Controller). 60 people.
Bottom line - culture and maturity of company are major factors in how this situation would be handled. I much prefer situation 1 and 2 since this is the most welcoming and satisfying situation.