Question

Explain the following principles of management:
(i) Scalar chain. (ii) Harmony, not discord.

Answer 1

Scalar chain It is the chain of superiors ranking from the top to the lowest ranks. The principle of scalar chain suggests that there should be a clear line of authority from top to bottom linking managers at all levels. The scalar chain serves as the chain of command and also as the chain of communication. Under the chain of command, orders and instructions, issued at higher levels, flow through intermediate managers before reaching the lower levels. The chain should not be violated in normal course of formal communication.

Harmony, not discord

In every organization there are two groups of people i.e. “workers’ and ‘management’ and both always feel dissatisfied with each other. Workers always feel that they are overburdened and are underpaid. Management always feels that workers are good for nothing and are paid unnecessarily.

In this principle, Taylor insisted that both the groups should work together with a positive attitude towards each other and with mutual cooperation. They must share the ‘Give and Take’ relationship while working with each other for the prosperity of the organization as well as for their own betterment