Which of the following principles of management states that dual subordination should be avoided?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Unity of Command
Option (1) Unity of Direction — Incorrect. This principle says each group of activities with the same objective must have one head and one plan. It is about units of the organisation, not one employee’s bosses.
Option (2) Unity of Command — Correct. Dual subordination means one employee getting orders from two bosses. Fayol said there should be “one and only one boss for every individual employee”. This prevents confusion about which order to follow. One employee should get orders from only one superior, so dual subordination is avoided.
Option (3) Discipline — Incorrect. Discipline means obeying the rules and agreements of the organisation.
Option (4) Order — Incorrect. Order means a place for everything and everyone, and everything and everyone in its place.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Unity of Command: According to Fayol there should be one and only one boss for every individual employee. If an employee gets orders from two superiors at the same time the principle of unity of command is violated. The principle of unity of command states that each participant in a formal organisation should receive orders from and be responsible to only one superior. Fayol gave a lot of importance to this principle. He felt that if this principle is violated “authority is undermined, discipline is in jeopardy, order disturbed and stability threatened”. The principle resembles military organisation. Dual subordination should be avoided. This is to prevent confusion regarding tasks to be done. …” “Unity of Direction: All the units of an organisation should be moving towards the same objectives through coordinated and focussed efforts. Each group of activities having the same objective must have one head and one plan. …” |