Which of the following is listed by Taylor as one of the main element…

The correct answer is Option (1) → Management by exception principle

Option (1) Management by exception principle — Correct. Taylor listed the management by exception principle among the main elements of scientific management, along with functional supervision, standardisation and the differential rate.

Option (2) Scalar chain with a gang plank — Incorrect. Scalar chain is a principle of Fayol: the formal line of authority from the highest to the lowest rank. A gang plank lets two employees at the same level contact each other directly in an emergency.

Option (3) Stability of tenure of personnel — Incorrect. Stability of tenure of personnel is a principle of Fayol. Once selected, employees should be kept at their post for a minimum fixed period, so that they can show results.

Option (4) Subordination of individual interest — Incorrect. Subordination of individual interest to general interest is a principle of Fayol. The interests of the organisation should come before the interests of any one employee.

Note: A list inside a box may look like small print, but small print makes good exam questions. Read the boxes as carefully as the main text.