14 principles of management?
The 14 principles of management, developed by Henri Fayol, are a set of fundamental guidelines intended to improve efficiency and effectiveness in organizational management.
Here's a breakdown of each principle:
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Division of Work:
Specializing tasks to improve efficiency.
Workers become more skilled and productive when they focus on specific tasks.
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Authority and Responsibility:
Managers have the authority to give orders, and with that comes responsibility.
Authority should be commensurate with responsibility.
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Discipline:
Following rules and agreements is essential for an organization's smooth operation.
This includes respect for rules and regulations.
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Unity of Command:
Each employee should receive orders from only one superior.
This avoids confusion and conflicting instructions.
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Unity of Direction:
The entire organization should move towards a common objective in a coordinated manner.
A single plan of action should guide the group.
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Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest:
The interests of the organization should take precedence over individual interests.
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.
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Remuneration of Personnel:
Employees should be paid fairly for their services.
Compensation should be just and equitable for both employees and the organization.
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Centralization:
The degree to which authority is concentrated or dispersed.
Finding the right balance between centralization and decentralization is crucial.
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Scalar Chain:
A clear line of authority from top to bottom in the organization.
This chain should be followed for communication, but can be bypassed in emergencies using "gang planks."
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Order:
A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Both material order (physical environment) and social order (organization of people) are important.
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Equity:
Fairness and impartiality in treating employees.
Managers should be kind and just in their dealings with subordinates.
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Stability of Tenure of Personnel:
Providing job security to employees.
Reducing employee turnover helps the organization operate more efficiently.
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Initiative:
Encouraging employees to take initiative and propose ideas.
Employees should be allowed to conceive and carry out plans.
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Esprit de Corps:
Promoting teamwork and a sense of unity within the organization.
"Unity is strength" - fostering a collaborative atmosphere.