Which of the following pairs of a principle of management given by Henri Fayol and its meaning is correctly matched?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Scalar chain - The formal lines of authority in an organisation run from the highest to the lowest ranks.
Option (1) Unity of command - Each group of activities having the same objective must have one head and one plan. — Incorrect. This meaning belongs to unity of direction. Unity of command means one subordinate receives orders from, and answers to, only one superior.
Option (2) Order - Obedience to organisational rules and the employment agreement is necessary for the working of the organisation. — Incorrect. This is the meaning of discipline. Order means a place for everything and everything in its place.
Option (3) Scalar chain - The formal lines of authority in an organisation run from the highest to the lowest ranks. — Correct. An organisation has superiors and subordinates. The formal lines of authority from the highest to the lowest ranks form the scalar chain. Orders and formal messages travel along this chain.
Option (4) Equity - The overall pay and compensation should be fair to both employees and the organisation. — Incorrect. Fair pay for both sides is remuneration of employees. Equity means kind and fair treatment of all employees, with no discrimination.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(ix) Scalar Chain: An organisation consists of superiors and subordinates. The formal lines of authority from highest to lowest ranks are known as scalar chain. According to Fayol, “Organisations should have a chain of authority and communication that runs from top to bottom and should be followed by managers and the subordinates.” Let us consider a situation where there is one head ‘A’ who has two lines of authority under her/ him. One line consists of B-C-D-E-F. Another line of authority under ‘A’ is L-M-N-O-P. If ‘E’ has to communicate with ‘O’ who is at the same level of authority then she/he has to traverse the route E-D-C-B-A-L-M-N-O. …” |