Sona Ltd. makes washing powder and hair oil. The two product lines have different objectives, yet one manager runs both of them under a single common plan. Which principle of management is Sona Ltd. ignoring?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Unity of direction, which prevents overlapping of activities
Option (1) Unity of command, which prevents dual subordination — Incorrect. Unity of command means each employee has only one boss. The case is not about a worker getting orders from two superiors.
Option (2) Unity of direction, which prevents overlapping of activities — Correct. Each group of activities with the same objective must have one head and one plan. Washing powder and hair oil have different objectives, so each needs its own head and own plan. One manager with one common plan for both lets the two lines overlap.
Option (3) Scalar chain, which sets the formal line of authority from top to bottom — Incorrect. Scalar chain is the formal line of authority and communication. The case says nothing about who reports to whom.
Option (4) Order, which puts people and materials in suitable places — Incorrect. Order is about keeping people and materials in fixed, suitable places. The case is about planning two product lines.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “(v) 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. This ensures unity of action and coordination. For example, if a company is manufacturing motorcycles as well as cars then it should have two separate divisions for both of them. Each division should have its own incharge, plans and execution resources. On no account should the working of two divisions overlap. …” |