Question

What is the Unity of Command and Unity of Direction? What are the similarities and difference between them?

Answer 1

Similarities between Unity of Command and Unity of Direction:

(i) Both are principles of management devised by Henry Fayol.

(ii) Aspects of command and direction are faciliated by one superior.

(iii) Both principles aim at meeting organisational goals through discipline.

Differences between Unity of Command and Unity of Direction are as follows:
$\begin{array}{ccc}\text{Basis}& \text{Unity of Command}& \text{Unity of Direction}\\ \text{Meaning}& \text{Involves a superior (foreman)}& \text{Involves all activities of a business}\\ & \text{giving orders to his/her subordi-}& \text{unit directed towards attaining}\\ & \text{nates to complete certain tasks or}& \text{organisational goals.}\\ & \text{activities in a business unit.}& \\ \text{Emphasis of}& \text{On each specific task and activity}& \text{On all tasks and activities of a}\\ \text{Control}& \text{in a business unit.}& \text{business unit.}\\ \text{Purpose}& \text{To avoid dual subordination or}& \text{To avoid wastage and duplication}\\ & \text{possible conflicts or confusions}& \text{of efforts.}\\ & \text{between a superior and the}& \\ & \text{subordinates.}& \\ \text{Example}& \text{Workers work to take orders from}& \text{Workers responsible for manu-}\\ & \text{a foreman to manufacture steering}& \text{facturing steering wheels are not}\\ & \text{wheels and do not take orders}& \text{responsible for brakes or tyres of a}\\ & \text{from a foreman managing the}& \text{car.}\\ & \text{frame of a car.}& \end{array}$