"A manager should replace 'I' with 'We' in all his conversations with workers to foster team spirit".
Which Principle of Management is related to this statement?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Esprit De Corps
Option (1) Stability of Personnel — Incorrect. This principle says employees should be kept in their posts for a fixed time, so that fewer people leave. It is not about the words a manager uses.
Option (2) Equity — Incorrect. Equity means fair and kind treatment of all workers. It is about justice, not team spirit.
Option (3) Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest — Incorrect. This principle says the interest of the whole organisation must come before the interest of one person. It does not talk about building team spirit.
Option (4) Esprit De Corps — Correct. Esprit de corps means team spirit. Management should promote unity and harmony among employees. Saying ‘We’ instead of ‘I’ makes workers feel they are part of one team. This builds mutual trust and belongingness.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Esprit De Corps: Management should promote a team spirit of unity and harmony among employees, according to Fayol. Management should promote teamwork especially in large organisations because otherwise objectives would be difficult to realise. It will also result in a loss of coordination. A manager should replace ‘I’ with ‘We’ in all his conversations with workers to foster team spirit. This will give rise to a spirit of mutual trust and belongingness among team members. …” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | 29-05 S2 | – | 12-06 S2 25-05 S1 | – |