The Formal lines of authority from highest to lowest ranks are known as:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Scalar chain
Option (1) Order — Incorrect. Order means a place for everything and everyone, and everything and everyone in its place.
Option (2) Equity — Incorrect. Equity means fair and kind treatment of all employees.
Option (3) Unity of direction — Incorrect. Unity of direction means one head and one plan for a group of activities with the same objective.
Option (4) Scalar chain — Correct. The formal lines of authority from highest to lowest ranks are known as scalar chain. Orders and messages normally move up and down this chain, step by step. This is Fayol’s name for the formal line of authority from the top rank to the lowest.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Scalar Chain: An organisation consists of superiors and subordinates. The formal lines of authority from highest to lowest ranks are known as scalar chain.” “Order: … The principle of order states that ‘A place for everything (everyone) and everything (everyone) in its (her/his) place’. …” “Unity of Direction: … Each group of activities having the same objective must have one head and one plan. …” |
Note: The same/similar question has been asked in different years by NTA as per the details given below:
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| – | – | – | 31-05 S2 25-05 S1 | – |