Fayols 14 Principles of Management

1. Division of Work This principle means breaking work into smaller tasks and assigning those tasks to different people. When everyone focuses on one task, they become really good at it, and the work gets done faster and better.

Example: In a fast-food restaurant, one person makes burgers, another person handles the fries, and someone else takes orders. Each person gets really good at their part, and the whole process moves smoothly.

2. Authority and Responsibility Fayol said managers need to have the authority (the power to give orders) and the responsibility to make sure the work gets done. If a manager has the power to tell people what to do, they also need to make sure things are done properly.

Example: A coach has the authority to tell players how to train, but they are also responsible for making sure the team improves.

3. Discipline Discipline means that everyone follows the rules and respects the agreements. It’s about maintaining order and ensuring that everyone does their job properly.

Example: In school, you have rules to follow, like arriving on time and completing homework. When everyone follows the rules, the class runs smoothly.

4. Unity of Command This means each worker should only have one boss or person giving them orders. If you receive instructions from more than one person, things can get confusing.

Example: If your math teacher tells you to finish a project, but your science teacher says something different at the same time, you’d be confused about what to do first.

5. Unity of Direction All the people working on the same project or task should have the same goal and be working under one plan. This makes sure everyone is moving in the same direction.

Example: If you're working on a group project, everyone should have the same plan and work together to get a good grade, rather than each person doing something different.

6. Subordination of Individual Interests The interests of the organization or group should come first, over individual interests. This means people should put the team’s goals ahead of their own personal goals while working.

Example: If you’re playing on a soccer team, your goal should be to win the game as a team, not to just show off your own skills.

7. Remuneration (Fair Pay) This principle is about making sure workers are fairly paid for the work they do. If people are paid well and fairly, they are motivated to work harder.

Example: If you do chores at home, getting a fair allowance for your effort encourages you to keep helping.

8. Centralization Centralization is about how much decision-making power is concentrated in the hands of top management. In a centralized system, most decisions are made by the top managers. In a decentralized system, lower-level workers also get to make decisions.

Example: If a principal makes all the decisions in a school, that's centralized. If teachers can also decide how to run their classrooms, that’s decentralized.

9. Scalar Chain This refers to a clear line of authority from the top managers to the lowest-level workers. Everyone should know who they report to and who their boss is.

Example: In school, the scalar chain might be the principal at the top, then the vice-principal, then teachers, and finally students. You know who to go to for different problems.

10. Order Fayol believed that there should be order in the workplace. This means having everything and everyone in the right place, at the right time.

Example: Imagine you’re working on a puzzle. If all the pieces are scattered everywhere, it’s hard to finish. But if you organize the pieces, it’s much easier to complete the puzzle.

11. Equity This means that managers should treat their employees fairly and kindly. When people are treated with respect and fairness, they are more motivated and loyal.

Example: If a teacher treats all students with equal respect and helps everyone equally, the class environment feels fair and positive.

12. Stability of Tenure This principle is about keeping employees for a long time rather than constantly replacing them. When workers stay in a job for a long time, they become more skilled and experienced.

Example: If your school keeps switching teachers every few weeks, it would be hard to learn. But if your teachers stay for the whole year, they get better at teaching you.

13. Initiative Managers should encourage employees to take initiative. This means giving workers the freedom to come up with ideas, solve problems, and improve the way things are done.

Example: In a group project, if you come up with a new idea to make the project better, that’s taking initiative.

14. Esprit de Corps (Team Spirit) This principle is about building team spirit and unity among workers. When people feel like they are part of a strong, supportive team, they work better together and achieve more.

Example: In a sports team, when everyone encourages each other and works together, the team performs better and has more fun.