Henri Fayol’s principles for organization structure included:
Multiple select question.
unity of command
managers can enforce their orders
workers have a choice whether to follow their manager’s orders
a hierarchy of authority
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers from the provided options are:
- Unity of Command
- A hierarchy of authority
Explanation:
Henri Fayol, a French management theorist, proposed a set of 14 principles of management, many of which are still influential in modern organizational theory. Two of the key principles related to organizational structure are Unity of Command and A Hierarchy of Authority.
- Unity of Command:
- This principle emphasizes that each employee should receive orders from only one superior or manager. The idea behind this principle is to avoid confusion and conflicting instructions that might arise if an employee reports to multiple managers. If an employee receives instructions from more than one manager, they may become confused about which task to prioritize, leading to inefficiency, frustration, and errors. Therefore, the principle of unity of command ensures clarity, accountability, and streamlined communication within the organization.
- A Hierarchy of Authority:
- Fayol stressed the importance of a clear hierarchy or chain of command within an organization. A hierarchy of authority refers to the structure where authority flows from the top levels of management down to lower levels of employees. This principle supports the idea of having a clearly defined structure where roles, responsibilities, and authority are well understood. It ensures that each employee knows their position in the organization and who they report to. The hierarchy allows for effective decision-making, delegation, and accountability across different levels of management.
The other two options provided are incorrect based on Fayol’s principles:
- Managers can enforce their orders is not explicitly a principle outlined by Fayol. While he emphasizes discipline and order within an organization, the principle of enforcement is not framed in the way the statement suggests.
- Workers have a choice whether to follow their manager’s orders contradicts the concept of Unity of Command and organizational discipline. Fayol believed in clearly defined roles and responsibilities, where employees are expected to follow orders from their direct superiors to maintain order and efficiency.
These principles, particularly unity of command and a clear hierarchy, form the foundation for organized and efficient management within organizations.