Explain any five principles of management of Henry Fayol.

Answer: Division of work, authority and responsibility, discipline, unity of command and unity of direction (any five of Fayol’s fourteen principles).

1. Division of work: Work should be divided into small tasks and each task given to a person according to his ability and skill. This leads to specialisation, speed, accuracy and efficiency.
2. Authority and responsibility: Authority is the right to give orders and responsibility is the duty to perform the assigned work. Both must go together and be balanced.
3. Discipline: Employees must obey rules, regulations and orders. Discipline needs good superiors, clear and fair agreements and judicious penalties.
4. Unity of command: An employee should receive orders from one superior only. This avoids confusion and conflict.
5. Unity of direction: There should be one head and one plan for a group of activities having the same objective.
6. Scalar chain: There should be a chain of authority from the top to the lowest level through which communication passes; ‘gang plank’ allows direct contact in emergencies.
7. Esprit de corps: Management should promote team spirit and harmony among employees, as union is strength.