Matilda is the CEO of Inflorescent Ltd. This year she wants to expand her business and get a growth in profit by 30%. To achieve this target, she has divided the entire work of the organisation into 4 divisions. Each division will be headed by a manager. Each manager will identify 3 workers each who are hardworking and send them for training to increase their efficiency. The Managers also have to decide the best way to do the work. Mr. Aream, who is the manager of the production department has set a chart that all the workers will follow while producing the product. The chart will help in minimising the unnecessary movement. Matilda has also given instructions to all the department managers that they must avoid dual-subordination. To ensure that all the managers are able to achieve their individual targets, Matilda has duly assigned authority to each manager.
Identify the principle of management Matilda needs to follow to avoid dual-subordination.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Unity of command
Option (1) Unity of command — Correct. Each employee should get orders from only one boss. If two superiors give orders, dual subordination arises, so unity of command avoids it.
Option (2) Authority and Responsibility — Incorrect. It is about balance of power and duty, not about the number of bosses.
Option (3) Unity of Direction — Incorrect. It means one head and one plan for a group of activities with the same objective. It is not about one boss for each person.
Option (4) Scalar Chain — Incorrect. It is the chain of authority from top to bottom. It does not solve dual subordination.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(iv) 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. …” |