What is Unity of Command?
According to the principle of Unity of Command, each subordinate should receive orders and be accountable to only one superior. If an employee gets orders from two superiors at the same time, then it would be very difficult for him to achieve the goals. In a formal organization, every employee should get an order from one boss and should be responsible to one boss only. If he receives orders from two or more superiors, then the principle of command is violated. This will also create confusion and responsibilities cannot be fixed.
For example, there is a salesperson who is asked to clinch a deal with a buyer and he is allowed to give a 12% discount by the marketing manager. But the finance department tells him not to offer more than a 6% discount. In this case, there is no unity of command, which will lead to confusion and delay.
Difference between Unity of Command and Unity of Direction
Unity of Command and Unity of Direction are two of the essential principles of management from among the 14 principles identified by Henry Fayol.
Table of Content
- What is Unity of Command?
- What is Unity of Direction?
- Difference between Unity of Command and Unity of Direction