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