Amrita completed her Master’s Degree in Fashion Technology from Paris. After coming back to India, she observed a shift towards formal wear in the fashion industry. To grab this opportunity, she opened a boutique in a posh area of Delhi.
She used environmental friendly method of production. To make the store run efficiently, she divided the work into small tasks so that her employees are well trained and the wastage can be reduced. Similar activities were grouped together and departments were formed.
She assigned responsibility to her sales staff in the form of clear cut targets and gave them authority to close the deal by offering a discount of 5% but the decision to give any further discount rests with her. The departments were headed by the specialists who were appointed through placement agencies and management consultants. Levels were created in the organization and helped in establishing reporting relationship.
In the earlier period of her venture, she asked her employees to put in extra hours of work. In return, she promised to give them special incentive within one year. Her business was doing well and she honours her commitment by giving them bonus.
Amrita was a good leader. She develops plans and makes decisions in consultation with her subordinates. However, she was biased with her female employees when it comes to solving conflicts among her staff.
By dividing the work into small tasks so as to increase the efficiency, Amrita followed one of the principles of Fayol. Identify it.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Division of work
Option (1) Equity — Incorrect. Equity means fair and kind treatment of employees. Amrita divided the work, which is not about fairness.
Option (2) Division of work — Correct. Amrita divided the work into small tasks so that employees are well trained and wastage is reduced. This is division of work, which leads to specialisation and produces more and better work for the same effort.
Option (3) Unity of command — Incorrect. Unity of command means one boss for every employee. It is not about dividing the work.
Option (4) Scalar chain — Incorrect. Scalar chain is the formal line of authority from highest to lowest rank. It is not about dividing the work.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(i) Division of Work: Work is divided into small tasks/ jobs. A trained specialist who is competent is required to perform each job. Thus, division of work leads to specialisation. …” |