Read the following case study and answer the question.
Param and Rajat run a burger store in Gangtop. While visiting their store Swati observed the following points.
The worker did not need to move much while serving a customer as the trays were placed on his right hand upper shelf. Tissues were on right side of lower shelf and spoons on left side upper shelf. The straws and cups were placed in a rack next to the vending machine. The burgers were just behind him. During her 3 days stay she visited the store daily and saw the staff doing different jobs. A worker who was handling the cash was cleaning the floor on the next day and was cleaning the tables on the third day. Everyone was dressed up in similar uniform, black shoes, cap, socks, black trousers, orange T-shirts etc. They carried their name badge also. She also overheard the staff discussing about the new worker, who was not upto the mark and how they supported him by explaining the way thing had to done so that his performance could improve.
While looking around the store she saw a soft board on which a person's picture was put up as 'employee of the month'. She began to smile as the name on the soft board was similar to hers.
Which principle of Management is neglected when the worker was working at three different places on all three days?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Stability of Personnel
Option (1) Equity — Incorrect. Equity means fair and kind treatment of all workers. The passage does not show any worker being treated unfairly.
Option (2) Order — Incorrect. Order means a fixed place for everything. The store followed it, as the trays and other items were kept in fixed places.
Option (3) Scalar Chain — Incorrect. Scalar chain is the line of authority from the top manager to the lowest worker. Orders and messages should pass along it. The passage says nothing about how orders or messages flow.
Option (4) Stability of Personnel — Correct. This principle says that once a worker is selected, he should be kept in his post for a minimum fixed time. He needs reasonable time to show results. Here the same worker handled the cash on one day, cleaned the floor the next day and cleaned the tables on the third day. He never stayed in one job, so this principle was neglected.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Stability of Personnel: “Employee turnover should be minimised to maintain organisational efficiency”, according to Fayol. Personnel should be selected and appointed after due and rigorous procedure. But once selected they should be kept at their post/ position for a minimum fixed tenure. They should have stability of tenure. They should be given reasonable time to show results. Any adhocism in this regard will create instability/insecurity among employees. …” |