Henri Fayol

Question 1

Planning

Answer 1

This is the starting point. It creates a framework for future decisions. It involves setting clear objectives and devising strategies, policies, programmes and procedures to achieve those objectives. For a senior manager this might be writing a company strategy document covering the next five years; for a supervisory manager this might be planning detailed work for the next working week.

Question 2

Organising

Answer 2

This involves getting the right resources together and creating an appropriate organisational structure to divide up the tasks. Managers must train and recruit the right people for the job to secure an efficient and effective workforce. It also involves establishing communication networks to achieve organisational goals.

Question 3

Commanding

Answer 3

This involves directing and giving instructions and supervisingstaff in order that the necessary tasks are carried out. Tasks could be carried out either individually or by delegation to others

Question 4

Co-ordinating

Answer 4

This involves finding and training staff for the task to be carriedout and ensuring the staff are motivated to perform the tasks and that all are working to the same goals. Ensuring tasks flow with maximum efficiency between departments.

Question 5

Controlling

Answer 5

This makes sure everyone is working towards achieving the same common goal. It involves maintaining performance levelsby monitoring and evaluating, ie collecting and analysing key management information, comparing actual vs planned performance and critically reviewing plans. A senior manager might look at long-term planned vs actual performance, whereas a supervisory manager might be more concerned that work is of the correct quality and that the work is done on schedule.

Question 6

Division of labour

Answer 6

Employees should be trained in one area and build expertise in that task. Specialisation results in increases in efficiency and output levels.

Question 7

Authority

Answer 7

Authority is correlated to responsibility. Managers must be able to give instructions and exercise authority to ensure these orders are carried out.

Question 8

Discipline

Answer 8

Employees must comply with the rules and regulations of the firm. Company policy must be adhered to and consequences must be in place for those who would disobey.

Question 9

Unity of command

Answer 9

Each employee should have only one direct supervisor from whom they receive their orders.

Question 10

Unity of direction

Answer 10

To minimise confusion and conflict, teams with the same task should be working for the same manager and towards the same goals.