Fayol’s principles of management

The correct answer is D, Unity of command. The employee receives conflicting instructions from two superiors about the same task. Fayol’s principle says that an employee should receive orders from one superior.

The correct answer is A, Unity of direction. Activities that share the objective of promoting the same plan are organised under one plan and one manager. Unity of command is different: it concerns an individual employee receiving orders from one superior.

The officer’s personal benefit has led to a decision that harms the organisation. Fayol’s principle of subordination of individual interest requires the organisation’s general interest to take priority over an individual’s interest.

The principle of remuneration concerns fair and satisfactory compensation for employees. Considering factors such as skills, experience, the work involved, and market rates helps the company set appropriate pay.

When even routine decisions are kept with the founder, decision-making authority is concentrated too heavily at the top. This is excessive centralisation and can delay responses.

A gang plank allows managers at the same level to communicate directly when this helps speed up work, especially in urgent situations. The usual scalar chain should still be respected, with appropriate authorisation and superiors kept informed as needed.

Fayol’s principle of order means having the right material and the right person in the appropriate place. The organised books illustrate material order, while the assigned counters illustrate order for personnel.

Stability of tenure encourages continuity in staffing. Frequent replacement can disrupt the use of employees’ experience and weaken consistent service to guests.

Fayol’s principle of initiative encourages employees to think, suggest plans, and take appropriate action within their authority. The employee’s opportunity to propose and test an idea illustrates this principle.

Esprit de corps means fostering team spirit and unity. Recognising the team’s shared achievement can help strengthen cooperation and a sense of unity among employees.

Fayol’s principles are general management guidelines, not rigid legal orders. Managers should use judgement to apply them in a way that suits the circumstances.

Unity of direction requires activities with the same objective to follow one plan under one head. Having one superior preserves unity of command, but splitting the shared objective across three plans violates unity of direction.

The principle of division of work means dividing tasks among people according to their specialisation. This helps them develop expertise and perform their tasks more efficiently.

Authority is the right to give orders or make decisions, while responsibility is the duty to answer for the results. The officer’s appointment authority paired with accountability illustrates authority and responsibility.

Fayol’s principle of equity requires managers to treat employees fairly, impartially and justly. If junior employees alone are punished for breaking a rule while seniors are excused, equity is weakened. Scalar chain concerns the formal line of communication in an organisation, not equal treatment in discipline. Exam tip: whenever a situation shows favouritism or unequal punishment for the same mistake, choose ‘Equity’.

Unity of command means that an employee should receive orders from only one superior. Conflicting instructions from two managers can cause confusion, so this principle is violated.

Unity of direction means that activities with the same objective should be guided by one plan. The customer-retention activities share an objective and follow one plan, so this principle applies.

Fayol’s principle of subordination of individual interest to general interest requires the organisation’s overall interest to take precedence over a department’s narrower interest. The department should not meet its target at the expense of the company’s long-term goodwill.

Centralisation keeps some decision-making authority at the top, while decentralisation delegates some authority to lower levels. Here, policy-making remains at headquarters and local decisions are delegated to regional offices, showing a balance of the two.

The scalar chain is the formal line of authority from the highest to the lowest level. It clarifies reporting relationships and the usual route for communication.

Social order concerns arranging people appropriately, including placing the right person in the right job. Since the technician is in the wrong department, social order is the part that is weak.

Material order means that each item should have a designated place and be kept there. Since the tools have no fixed place, material order is incomplete.

The stability of tenure principle discourages unnecessary employee turnover. Keeping experienced representatives can preserve service knowledge and continuity, helping reduce complaints.

Fayol’s principle of initiative encourages employees to contribute ideas, but an idea should not be adopted without considering its effects. The manager should assess safety and the organisation’s broader interests before deciding.

Esprit de corps means fostering team spirit and unity. Treating success as a shared achievement reflects this collective spirit.