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Henri Fayol and the 14 Principles of Management

Jul 11, 2024

Henri Fayol and the 14 Principles of Management

Introduction

  • Henri Fayol: Considered one of the fathers of modern management
  • Administrative Theory: Believed enterprise success depended more on administrative ability than technical skill
  • Experience: Managing director (CEO equivalent) of Comambault, turned it from near liquidation to one of France's most valuable firms in 12 years

Functions of Management

  • Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling
  • Fayol realized management success was due to managing people effectively

14 Principles of Management

  1. Division of Work
    • Specialization improves productivity and expertise
    • Allows workers to excel in smaller, specific tasks
  2. Authority and Responsibility
    • Authority to give orders must align with accountability
    • Emphasis on responsible use of authority
  3. Discipline
    • Clear rules and procedures
    • Penalties to ensure good behavior and order
  4. Unity of Command
    • Workers report to one boss to avoid confusion and conflict
    • Fundamental principle; origin of other principles
  5. Unity of Direction
    • Organizations should pursue common goals
    • Critical for organizational success
  6. Subordination of Individual Interests
    • Group interest over individual interest
    • Essential for organizational harmony
  7. Renumeration
    • Fair pay practices (consider labor supply, cost of living, profitability)
    • Prevents individual interests from overshadowing team goals
  8. Centralization
    • Degree of centralization varies by organization
    • Balance between decision-making authority and employee initiative
  9. Scalar Chain
    • Clear organizational hierarchy
    • Helps employees understand reporting relationships
  10. Order
    • Organized work environment improves productivity and safety
  11. Equity
    • Fair treatment of workers
    • Essential for long-lasting worker commitment
  12. Stability of Tenure
    • Minimize employee turnover to reduce costs and disruptions
  13. Initiative
    • Encourage new responsibilities and skill acquisition
    • Frees up management for other tasks
  14. Spirit of Cooperation
    • Promote teamwork and communication for better morale and unity

Lasting Impact

  • Fayol's principles still widely agreed upon and followed today
  • Shifted focus towards training and educating managers for administrative roles

Next Lecture

  • Focus: German sociologist Max Weber

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