Question

Which ofthe following situations BEST reflects the principle of "Unity of Command"?

• A. An employee receives instructions from both HR and operations heads simultaneously
• B. A team member is encouraged to follow multiple mentors
• C. An employee receives orders from a single supervisor for clarity in responsibility
• D. Employees are left to self-direct their activities.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. An employee receives orders from a single supervisor for clarity in responsibility

Principles of Administration: Unity of Command

• The Unity of Command is a fundamental principle in management and administration.
• It states that each subordinate should report to only one superior.
• This principle helps to avoid conflicting orders and confusion among employees.
• When an employee receives instructions from a single supervisor, it leads to clear lines of authority and responsibility.
• This clarity ensures that the employee knows exactly who to report to and whose directives to follow.
• Violating the Unity of Command can result in situations where an employee receives contradictory instructions from multiple managers.
• Such a scenario can lead to inefficiency, decreased morale, and an inability to hold individuals accountable for their performance.
• This principle was notably emphasized by Henri Fayol, a pioneering management theorist, as one of his 14 principles of management.

Exam Relevance:

• Understanding the Unity of Command is crucial for competitive exams, particularly in subjects like Public Administration, Management, and Business Studies.
• Questions often test the ability to identify scenarios that exemplify or violate this principle.
• Key terms to remember: single supervisor, clear authority, avoiding conflicting orders, responsibility.