Consider the following statements about the principle of unity of command in directing:
(A) As per the principle of unity of command, a person in the organisation should receive instructions from one superior only.
(B) As per the principle of unity of command, instructions received from more than one superior create confusion, conflict and disorder in the organisation.
(C) As per the principle of unity of command, employee rewards and work efficiency should be seen as complementary to each other.
(D) As per the principle of unity of command, managers should review continuously whether their orders are being implemented.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → (A) and (B) only
(A) As per the principle of unity of command, a person in the organisation should receive instructions from one superior only. — Correct. This is the meaning of unity of command: one superior only gives instructions to a person.
(B) As per the principle of unity of command, instructions received from more than one superior create confusion, conflict and disorder in the organisation. — Correct. When two or more superiors give orders, the person does not know whom to obey. This leads to confusion, conflict and disorder.
(C) As per the principle of unity of command, employee rewards and work efficiency should be seen as complementary to each other. — Incorrect. This is the principle of harmony of objectives. It brings the employee’s aim of good rewards in line with the organisation’s aim of higher productivity.
(D) As per the principle of unity of command, managers should review continuously whether their orders are being implemented. — Incorrect. This is the principle of follow through. A manager reviews the order after giving it and changes the direction if needed.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Principles of Directing … (ii) Harmony of objectives: Very often, we find that individual objectives of employees and the organisational objectives as understood are conflicting to each other. For example, an employee may expect attractive salary and monetary benefits to fulfill his personal needs. The organisation may expect employees to improve productivity to achieve expected profits. But, good directing should provide harmony by convincing that employee rewards and work efficiency are complimentary to each other. “Principles of Directing … (viii) Follow through: Mere giving of an order is not sufficient. Managers should follow it up by reviewing continuously whether orders are being implemented accordingly or any problems are being encountered. If necessary, suitable modifications should be made in the directions.” |