PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT

Q1: Explain any four importance of Principles of management. [NCERT]

Or

Explain by giving any five reasons why proper understanding of management principles is necessary. [Delhi, AI, Foreign 2009]

Or

Explain how management principles:

(i) Provide useful perception into reality and        (ii) help in thoughtful decision making. [Delhi 2012]

Or

Explain how principles of management:

(i) Help in optimum utilization of resources and effective administration and

(ii) Help in thoughtful decision making. [Foreign 2012]

Ans: Importance of management principles: The management principles are extremely important in directing the organization towards taking the best course of action and the most appropriate decision.

  The following points highlight its significance: 

• The principles of management on the basis of various theories and principles that have been revised over time. It is more suitable for a manager to make decisions on the basis of these principles to avoid any form of test and error. 

• The principles helps in the optimal utilization of the accessible resources. It helps to predict the thorough reasons and results relationship. 

• The management principles are based on the logic and not build faith. The decisions are based upon an objective assessment of the situation. 

• These principles constitutes the basis of the management study in the educational institution. It provides the framework for the improvement of management as a subject. 

Q2: Explain Fayol’s principles of ‘scalar-chain’ and ‘discipline’ with the help of examples.
Ans: According to Fayol, Scalar chain is the chain of superiors designated form the top level of management to lower level of management, the line of authority is represented by this chain. All the managers in the origination is linked together in an origination from highest to the lowest and has subordinates below him but he is also a subordinate to some superiors. The Scalar chain principle defines a clear link between managers at all the level. According to this principle, the clear line of authority from top level to bottom level has to be there which links all the manager.

This can be shown by the below presented diagram:

Link

In case when D has to pass an information to G, D should send that information via C, B, A and then downwards E then to F and then finally that information will reach its destination G. But, it may cause delay, and hence to avoid that delay, Gang Plank is introduced by Fayol, it has been shown by dotted line in the above mentioned diagram.

Positive effects of Scalar chain are:

1. Clearly states the chain of command.
2. Chain of communication is well established.
3. Well defined authority and responsibility relationships.

Discipline: In the reference to management, the word discipline means obedience, proper code of conduct, well-defined relationships and complying with the smooth running of business requires discipline. 

Not only the workers but the management also has to be in discipline by facilitating the good supervisors at all the existing levels of management, by clearly defining the rules and also the penalties should be improved with the fairness.

Q3: What is the meaning of scientific management?
Ans: Instead of depending on the rule of thumb, the scientific management refers to the use of scientific methods in the process of decision making. F.Y. Taylor is the father of scientific management. Scientific management mainly is made up of observation and analysis of each tasks, determination and analysis of each tasks, measurement of the standard of work, selecting and training men to perform their jobs.

Taylor’s principle of scientific management are:

1. Replacing the rule of thumb with science: Scientific management includes the observation and analysis of every tasks and determination of the standards of work. According to the first scientific principle of management the “Development of a science for each element of a man’s work.” Should be implemented and the rule of thumb should be replaced. Taylor was in believe that efficiency can be maximized only with the help of involving science in the techniques of management.

1. Close co-operation between employees and management: There must exists a proper coordination between the workers and the management in an organization to ensure that the works is carried out as per the plans and standards of the performance. According to the Taylor, the motive of employees and the management is same in some way, like, the workers wants to get paid more and the employer wants to get more production done and it can be noted that by producing more the workers can earn more. Hence, instead of fighting for the profit and output, there should be harmony in the motives.

1. Maximum but not restricted output: The main aim of management should be maximization of output not restricting it to a confined level. The interest of both the parties should be involved in the level of production. 
2. Division of responsibility between managers and workers: The authorities and the responsibility should be well-defined and clearly stated, the manager’s responsibility is to planning the work to be performed and the execution of it is the tasks of the workers.

1. Harmony not discord: In the views of Taylor, a mutual give and take and proper considerate must be prevalent among workers who work together to carry out a task in harmony, in group action. An enlightened attitude should be adopted by managers and the gains of productivity should be joint with the workers. On the other hand, workers need to work with discipline and loyalty.

Q4: Explain the Taylor’s scientific management.
Ans: Techniques of Scientific Management:

1. Time Study: Time study is the study to observe and record the time required and each detailed element of an operation. The main purpose of time study is to find out the exact time needed for each element of a man’s work. The standard time required to do a particular job can be fixed by this.

1. Motion Study: The study of movement of organized body or machine needed to perform a job is known as motion study. Its objectives are eliminating motions and finding out ways to do a job with least movements. By reducing fatigue and wasteful movements on a job, the efficiency of workers can be increased.

1. Standardization: It is the method of selection tools for the employees and also the ventilation, lightning and other working requirements should be arranged properly.

1. Functional Foremanship: Taylor has identified various types of functional foreman. He said, only one single foreman may be incompetent performing all the management tasks and hence the different individuals has to be supervised by specialists.

1. Simplification of work: Simplification of work refers to eliminating the various unnecessary tasks it creates the economy in the use of machines and tools needed. It helps to improve the quantity and reduce the costs and prices.

1. Fatigue Study: Physical and mental exhaustion due to continuous work leads to fatigue. Accidents, spoilage, absenteeism, and high labor turnover may be resulted due to fatigue. A fatigue study will calculate the time intervals and predict hours of rest. It helps to maintain operational effectiveness of workers without injury to health and happiness.
2. Method Study: This principle is concerned with the methods used while performing certain jobs. According to Taylor, there should be one best way to perform certain tasks.