Question

F Ltd. was engaged in the business of food processing and selling its products under a popular brand. Lately, the business was expanding due to good quality and reasonable prices. Also with more people working, the market for processed food was increasing. New players were also coming to cash in on the new trend. In order to keep its market share in the short run, the company directed its existing workforce to work overtime.

But this resulted in many problems. Due to the increased pressure of work, the efficiency of the workers declined. Sometimes, the subordinates had to work for more than one superior resulting in declining efficiency. The divisions that were previously working on one product were also made to work on two or more products. This resulted in a lot of overlapping and wastage. The workers were becoming indisciplined. The spirit of teamwork, which had characterised the company previously, was beginning to wane. Workers were feeling cheated and the initiative was declining. The quality of the products was beginning to decline and market share was on the verge of decrease. Actually, the company had implemented changes without creating the required infrastructure.

Identify the principle of management (out of 14 given by Henry Fayol)that were being violated by the company.

Answer 1

Company violated following principles:

(i) Division of work

(ii) Unity of command

(iii) Unity of direction

(iv) Discipline

(v) Remuneration of personnel

(vi) Order

(vii) Initiative

(viii) Esprit de corps