Henry Fayol Flashcards
What is Henry Fayol’s theory of management?
A general theory that can be applied to all levels of management and every department. He envisioned maximising managerial efficiency.
What are the fourteen principles of Henry Fayol?
- Division of Work
- Authority and Responsibility
- Discipline
- Unity of Command
- Unity of Direction
- Subordination of Indiviual Interest to General Interest
- Remuneration
- Centralisation and Decentralisation
- Scalar Chain
- Order
- Equity
- Stability
- Initiative
- Espirit de Coprs
According to Fayol’s principle of unity of direction, which statement is correct?
a) Managers should have a single, unified vision.
b) All employees should be directed by the same supervisor.
c) There should be one plan of action for each group of activities with the same objective.
d) Every employee should perform a single, specialized task.
(c)
The scalar chain in an organization represents:
a) The hierarchy of authority from top to bottom.
b) The chain of command in the military.
c) The chain of communication from top to bottom.
d) The process of delegation.
(c)
Which of the following best illustrates unity of direction?
a) Each department in an organization sets its own goals independently.
b) All departments in an organization follow a common plan aligned with the company’s objectives.
c) Managers in an organization have complete autonomy.
d) Employees are allowed to choose their tasks.
(b)
In the context of the scalar chain, what does “unity of command” mean?
a) Each employee receives instructions from multiple superiors.
b) Each employee reports to only one superior.
c) Each employee communicates directly with the CEO.
d) Each employee is responsible for their own decisions.
(b)
Discipline, according to Fayol, involves:
a) Punishing employees for their mistakes.
b) Enforcing strict rules without flexibility.
c) Training and educating employees to follow the rules voluntarily.
d) Assigning a disciplinary committee to oversee employees.
(c)
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of maintaining discipline in an organization?
a) Improved employee morale.
b) Increased productivity.
c) Decreased turnover.
d) Reduced supervision.
(d)
According to Fayol, subordination of individual interest to general interest means that:
a) Employees should not have personal interests.
b) The organization’s interests always take precedence over individual interests.
c) Individual interests are more important than the organization’s goals.
d) Employees should be allowed to pursue their own interests without restriction.
(b)
Imagine you are a manager at a manufacturing company. One of your departments is responsible for producing two similar products, but they are currently following different strategies and goals. Explain how this situation violates the principle of unity of direction, and what steps you would take to rectify it.
This situation violates the principle of unity of direction because it lacks a single, coordinated plan of action for similar activities (producing two similar products). To rectify it, I would take the following steps:
- Review the overall organizational objectives.
- Develop a unified strategic plan that aligns with the company’s objectives for both products.
- Communicate the new plan to the departments involved.
- Ensure that both departments work together, sharing resources and knowledge as needed to achieve the common goals.
- Monitor progress regularly to ensure adherence to the unified direction.
Which of the following is an example of subordination of individual interest to general interest?
a) Employees pursuing side businesses during work hours.
b) Employees volunteering for company-sponsored community service activities.
c) Employees demanding higher salaries without regard for company profitability.
d) Employees refusing to work overtime.
(b)
In a company, employees often arrive late to work, and there is a lack of adherence to company rules and regulations. Explain how implementing the principle of discipline can address this issue, and outline steps you would take to establish discipline in the organization.
Implementing the principle of discipline can address this issue by instilling a sense of responsibility and adherence to rules among employees. Steps to establish discipline in the organization include:
- Clearly defining and communicating company rules and expectations.
- Setting consequences for rule violations and consistently applying them.
- Providing training and support to help employees understand the importance of discipline.
- Leading by example as management in adhering to rules and standards.
- Recognizing and rewarding employees who consistently follow rules.
- Creating a positive and motivating work environment that encourages discipline.
You work in a large multinational corporation where communication often gets delayed or distorted as it passes through multiple layers of management. Discuss the importance of the scalar chain in such a scenario and suggest ways to improve communication.
The scalar chain is crucial in such a scenario as it represents the hierarchical chain of communication. Its importance lies in maintaining a clear and efficient flow of information from top to bottom and vice versa. In this situation, improving communication can be achieved by:
- Streamlining the organizational structure to reduce unnecessary layers.
- Promoting open and transparent communication channels.
- Using technology and tools to facilitate faster information flow.
- Ensuring that all levels of management understand their roles in the scalar chain.
- Encouraging feedback and regular communication between different levels of management.
You are a manager in a department where some employees prioritize their personal interests over the organization’s goals. Discuss how the principle of subordination of individual interest to general interest can be applied in this situation, and provide examples of how it can benefit both employees and the company.
The principle of subordination of individual interest to general interest can be applied by emphasizing that the organization’s interests take precedence over individual interests. This can benefit both employees and the company by:
- Aligning individual goals and efforts with company objectives.
- Reducing conflicts and promoting teamwork.
- Increasing employee engagement and motivation.
- Ensuring that employees contribute to the overall success of the organization.
- Creating a sense of purpose and shared vision among employees.
- Recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions to the company’s goals.
