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Henry Fayol’s greatest piece of work earned him the title ‘Father Of Modern Management Theory’. Here he introduced the concept of management. The theory he introduced is general and all encompassing 14 Principles Of Management by Henry Fayol.
Thus, it applies to all levels of management and every department. The Fayol theory is instrumental in ‘managers’ duty to organize and regulate the internal activities of an organization through management. The theory includes 14 Principles Of Management by Henry Fayol which aim at accomplishing managerial efficiency.
14 Principles Of Management by Henry Fayol
Here’s Henry Fayol’s 14 Principles of Management
1. Division of Work
Fayol realized that dividing work into task then allocate them to different employees would improve product quality. Similarly, he also concluded that the division of work improves the productivity, efficiency, accuracy and speed of the workers. This principle applies for both the managerial as well as a technical work level. When an individual has little to work on they get more time to perfect it and that effort multiplied by the number of workers in different related tasks yields the desires outcome.
2. Authority and Responsibility
Authority and Responsibility stand out as the two key aspects of management. Altogether, it helps facilitate management to work efficiently through new public management. If managers are given as much authority as they need, government and workers will subsequently follow their instructions without undermining their leadership. However, we need to control this authority. Hence, responsibility keeps them accountable for the work they do under guidance or leadership.
3. Discipline
Discipline covers a wide range of attributes expected from a goal oriented manager and without it nothing can be achieved. It is the core value for any project or any management. Issues around ethical conduct, objectivity, good use of power among others make up discipline. Good performance for accounting and sensible interrelation make the management job easy and comprehensive. ‘Employees’ good governance and behavior also helps them smoothly build and progress in their professional careers.
4. Unity of Command
This comes from the idea of harmonizing instructions and it means an employee should have only one boss from whom they get orders/instructions. If an employee has to follow more than one boss, there begins a conflict of interest in public service and can create confusion. This also limits the pursuit of personal agendas using power bestowed upon a manager.
5. Unity of Direction
When members of the organization are engaged in an activity they will have a common goal. This means all the person working in a company should have one goal and motive which will make the work easier and achieve the set goal easily through its pillars. Unity of direction encourages employees and managers to help each other.
6. Subordination of Individual Interest
For as long as they engaged in company activities personal interests of employees should be set aside and focus on what feeds those of the organization. Be subordinate to the purposes of an organization. This refers to the whole chain of command in a company. In weak systems some managers also get away with abuse of office which serves their personals interests.
7. Remuneration
The primal motivation for an individual to leave their house for work is the paycheque. If the remuneration satisfies the worker they are going to do anything they can to serve the company better. Remuneration can be monetary or non-monetary strategies. However, it should be according to an individual’s efforts they have made. Rewards can also come into play for outstanding performers in the workplace.
8. Centralization
Neutrality should be prominent in any figure in any company, who has decision making authority. However, this depends on the size of an organization. Henri Fayol also stresses the point that there should be a balance between the public hierarchy and division of power. Neutrality can only be achieved if there’s a clear outline of organizational goals and correlation between general employees and managers.
9. Scalar Chain
Seniority also encourages discipline on the part of subordinates and accountability on managers’. Fayol on this principle highlights that the hierarchy steps should be from the top to the lowest. This is necessary so that every employee knows their immediate senior also they should be able to contact any, if needed.
10. Order
If work is not organized in an orderly manner it may seem cumbersome and in most cases nothing is done well. A company should also maintain a well-defined work order to have a favorable work culture. Further, a positive atmosphere in the workplace will boost more positive productivity. Order makes tasks enjoyable and easier.
11. Equity
All employees should be treated equally and respectfully. It’s the responsibility of a manager that no employees face discrimination.
12. Stability
An employee delivers the best if they feel secure in their job. It is the duty of the management to offer job security to their employees.
13. Initiative
The management should also support and encourage the employees to take initiatives in an organization. It will help them to increase their interest and make then worth.
14. Esprit de Corps
It is the responsibility of the administration and management to motivate their employees and be supportive of each other regularly. Developing trust and mutual understanding will further lead to a positive outcome and work environment.
This 14 principles of management are used to manage an organization and are beneficial for prediction, planning, decision-making, organization and process of management, control and coordination.