UNIT 5 MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
5.0 Summary
6.0 Tutor Marked Assessment 7.0 Further Reading/References 1.0 INTRODUCTION
In the previous unit, we discussed about basic concepts of management and the functions of management. In this unit, we will be talking about management principles.
2.0 OBJECTIVES
At the end of this unit, you will be able to:
define management principle
explain the usefulness of management principles 3.0 MAIN CONTENT
3.1 Management Principles
Principles in management are fundamental truths (or what thoughts to be truths at a given time), explaining relationship between two or more sets of variables usually an independent variable and a dependent variable. Management principles may be described as how one variable relate to another — what will happen when these variables interact.
For example, in management, the principle of unity of command states that the more often an individual reports to a single superior, the more likely it is that the individual will feel a sense of loyalty and obligation and the less the likely it is that there will be confusion about instruction.
3.2 Universal Principles of Management
The universal principle of management has been highlighted by Henry Fayol known as fourteen (14) principles of management these are as follow:
1. Authority and Responsibility; In order to get things done, management has the authority to give orders to the employees. With this authority comes responsibility.
The accompanying power or authority gives the management the right to give orders to the subordinates. That responsibility can be traced back from performance and it is necessary to make agreements about this. Authority and responsibility essentially go hand in hand.
2. Centralization; this implies the concentration of decision making authority at the top management. Sharing of authorities for the decision-making process with lower levels (middle and lower management), is referred to as decentralization.
3. Discipline; It is often a part of the core values of a mission and vision in the form of good conduct and respectful interactions. This management principle is essential and is seen as the oil to make the engine of an organization run smoothly.
4. Division of work; Employees are usually specialized in different areas and have different skill sets. The levels of expertise can be differentiated within knowledge areas. As such, Fayol stated that Specialization promotes efficiency of the workforce and increases productivity.
5. Equity; This occurs in the core values of an organization. Employees must be treated kindly and equally. They also must be in the right place in the organization to do things right. Managers should supervise and monitor this process and they should treat employees fairly and impartially.
6. Esprit de corps; this stands for striving for the involvement and unity of the employees. Managers are responsible for the development of morale in the workplace, individually and in the area of communication. Esprit de corps contributes to the development of the culture and creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding.
7. Initiative; Fayol argued that with this management principle employees should be allowed to express new ideas. This encourages interest, involvement and creates added value for the company. Employee initiatives are a source of strength for the organization. This encourages the employees to be involved and interested.
8. Order; This principle states that employees in an organization must have the right resources at their disposal so that they can function properly in an organization. In addition to social order the work environment must be safe, clean and tidy.
9. Remuneration; motivation and productivity are close to one another in terms of the smooth operation of an organization are concerned. Remuneration should be sufficient to keep employees motivated and productive. There are two types of remuneration namely non-monetary (a compliment, more responsibilities, credits) and monetary (compensation, bonuses etc.).
10. Scalar chain; this is basically the hierarchy in an organization. The principle states that there should be a clear line in the area of authority. This can be seen as type of management structure. Each employee can contact a manager or a superior in an emergency situation without challenging the hierarchy.
11. Subordination of Individual Interest; there are different kinds of interest in an organization. In order for an organization to function well, Fayol indicated that personal interests are subordinate to the interests of the organization. The main focus is on the organizational objectives and not on those of the individual.
12. Stability of tenure; this principle represents deployment and managing of personnel and this should be in balance with the service that is provided from the organization. Management strives to minimize employee turnover and to have the
right staff in the right place. Focus areas such as frequent change of position and sufficient development must be managed well.
13. Unity of Command; This means that an individual employee should receive orders from one manager and that the employee is answerable to that manager. If tasks and related responsibilities are given to the employee by more than one manager, this may lead to confusion which may lead to possible conflicts for employees.
This principle essentially brings about accountability.
14. Unity of direction; this principle is all about focus and unity. All employees deliver the same activities that can be linked to the same objectives. All activities must be carried out by one group that forms a team. These activities must be described in a plan of action. The manager is responsible for this plan and he/she monitors the progress of the defined and planned activities.
Nevertheless, Fayol's contribution to management theory is unique and valuable. He identified six activities that must be accomplished in all industrial organizations. These are:
1. Accounting 2. Commercial 3. Financial 4. Managerial 5. Technical and 6. Security
Fayol held that the importance of managerial ability increases managerial skill as the most important component of job performance.
3.3 Why Principles in Management are Useful
The following are reasons for the usefulness of principles in management;
1. To increase efficiency.
2. To give a definite and concrete shape to management.
3. To improve research in management.
4. To attain social goals by increase efficiency in the use of research.
4.0 CONCLUSION
In designing an effective organization structure, for example, a number of principles are interrelated and have a predictive value for manager. Some principles give guidelines for delegating authority; this includes the principle of delegating by results expected, the principle of equality of authority and responsibility, the principle of unity of command.
5.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, we discussed the various management principles and why the principles of management are useful.
6.0 TUTOR MARKED ASSIGNMENT 1. Define management principle?
2. Why are management principles useful?
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS
Belbin, R.M. (1996). Management Teams: Why they succeed or fail, Oxford Butterworth – Heineman (New paperback edition).
Lawal K.A.A and Oludimu O.L (2011). Management, principles, practice and focus.
Asogun books, Ibadan. pp 4-8.
Mbadiwe Ukaegbu (2005). Small business and entrepreneurship management. Nile Ventures, Lagos. pp 8 and 54-55.
Oyedijo, A., Oladele, J. and Olumoko, Y. (2008) Entrepreneurship and Small Business.
Strategic-international press ltd, Lagos.
Vliet V.V. (2014) 14 Principles of Management (Fayol) Toolshero. Accessed;
https://www.toolshero.com/management/14-principles-of-management/
UNIT 6: MAREKTING STRATEGY AND PLANNING