The Principles of management
Management principles are statements of fundamental truth. However it is an all round Mgt Tool.
Flexibility is an
essential ingredient to building a more robust, tough and resilient you. You
got to be able to adjust, adapt, change and thrive no matter what circumstance
you find yourself in. Be awesome, be tough and be resilient.
1. Division of Work -
The specialization of the workforce, creating specific personal and
professional development within the labour force and therefore increasing
productivity; leads to specialization which increases the efficiency of labour.
By separating a small part of work, the workers speed and accuracy in its
performance increases. This principle is applicable to both technical as well
as managerial work.
2. Authority and Responsibility-
The issue of commands followed by responsibility for their consequences.
Authority means the right of a superior to give order to his subordinates;
responsibility means obligation for performance. This principle suggests that
there must be parity between authority and responsibility.. They are
co-existent and go together, and are two sides of the same coin.
3. Discipline-
Discipline refers to obedience, proper conduct in relation to others,
respect of authority, etc. It is essential for the smooth functioning of all
organizations.
4. Unity of Command -
This principle states that every subordinate should receive orders and be
accountable to one and only one superior. If an employee receives orders from
more than one superior, it is likely to create confusion and conflict.
Unity of Command also makes it easier to fix responsibility for mistakes.
5. Unity of Direction -
All those working in the same line of activity must understand and pursue
the same objectives. All related activities should be put under one group,
there should be one plan of action for them, and they should be under the
control of one manager.
It seeks to ensure unity of action, focusing of efforts and coordination
of strength.
6. Subordination of Individual Interest
The management must put aside personal considerations and put company
objectives first. Therefore the interests of goals of the organization must
prevail over the personal interests of individuals.
7. Remuneration -
Workers must be paid sufficiently as this is a chief motivation of
employees and therefore greatly influences productivity. The quantum and
methods of remuneration payable should be fair, reasonable and rewarding of
effort.
8. The Degree of Centralization -
The amount of power wielded with the central management depends on
company size. Centralization implies the concentration of decision making
authority at the top management. Sharing of authority with lower levels is
called decentralization. The organization should strive to achieve a proper
balance.
9. Scalar Chain -
Scalar Chain refers to the chain of superiors ranging from top management
to the lowest rank. The principle suggests that there should be a clear line of
authority from top to bottom linking all managers at all levels. It is
considered a chain of command. It involves a concept called a "gang plank"
using which a subordinate may contact a superior or his superior in case of an
emergency,defying the hierarchy of control.However the immediate superiors must
be informed about the matter
10. Order -
Social order ensures the fluid operation of a company through
authoritative procedure. Material order ensures safety and efficiency in the
workplace.
11. Equity -
Employees must be treated kindly, and justice must be enacted to ensure a
just workplace. Managers should be fair and impartial when dealing with
employees.
12. Stability of Tenure of Personnel -
The period of service should not be too short and employees should not be
moved from positions frequently. An employee cannot render useful service if he
is removed before he becomes accustomed to the work assigned to him.
13. Initiative -
Using the initiative of employees can add strength and new ideas to an
organization. Initiative on the part of employees is a source of strength for
the organization because it provides new and better ideas. Employees are likely
to take greater interest in the functioning of the organization.
14. Esprit de Corps -
This refers to the need of managers to ensure and develop morale in the
workplace; individually and communally. Team spirit helps develop an atmosphere
of mutual trust and understanding.
These can be used to initiate and aid the processes of change,
organization, decision making, skill management and the overall view of the
management function.
Fayol also divided the management function into five key roles:
·
To organise
·
To plan and forecast (Prevoyance)
·
To command
·
To control
·
To coordinate
