Question

Consider the following statements regarding Fayol's Elements of Administration:

I. According to Fayol, elements include Planning (foresee and plan), Organizing (build material and human structure), Commanding (maintain activity among personnel).

II. Other elements are Coordinating (bind together and harmonize efforts) and Controlling (ensure conformity with rules and expressed command), forming POC CC.

III. Fayol emphasized that technical ability is required at higher levels of the organization, with administrative ability predominant at lower levels.

• A. Only I and II are correct
• B. Only II and III are correct
• C. Only I and III are correct
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Only I and II are correct

Fayol's Elements of Administration

• Henri Fayol, a French mining engineer and director, is renowned for his 14 Principles of Management and his conceptualization of the Functions of Management.
• Statement I correctly identifies three of Fayol's core elements:
  • Planning: Envisioning the future and devising a plan of action.
  • Organizing: Establishing the organizational structure, including the recruitment and arrangement of human and material resources.
  • Commanding: Directing and supervising the workforce to achieve organizational goals.
• Statement II accurately presents the remaining two elements:
  • Coordinating: Harmonizing all activities and efforts within the organization.
  • Controlling: Monitoring performance and ensuring that actions align with plans and established rules.
  These five elements are often remembered by the acronym POC CC (Planning, Organizing, Commanding, Coordinating, Controlling).
• Statement III is incorrect. Fayol's work suggests the opposite: that administrative ability becomes increasingly important at higher levels of management, while technical ability is more crucial at the operational or lower levels. As managers move up, their focus shifts from performing technical tasks to managing people and resources.
• Fayol's contributions are foundational in classical management theory and are frequently tested in competitive examinations focusing on management and public administration.