his article explains the administrative theory of the 14 Principles of Management by Henri Fayol in a

practical way. After reading you will understand the basics of this powerful management tool.

Introduction 14 principles of Management

In the last century, organizations already had to deal with management in practice. In the early 1900s,
large organizations, such as production factories, had to be managed too. At the time there were only
few (external) management tools, models and methods available.

Thanks to scientists like Henri Fayol (1841-1925) the first foundations were laid for modern scientific
management. These first concepts, also called principles of management are the underlying factors for
successful management. Henri Fayol explored this comprehensively and, as a result, he synthesized the
14 principles of management. Henri Fayol ‘s principles of management and research were published in
the book ‘General and Industrial Management’ (1916).

14 Principles of Management of Henri Fayol

14 principles of Management are statements that are based on a fundamental truth. These principles of
management serve as a guideline for decision-making and management actions. They are drawn up by
means of observations and analyses of events that managers encounter in practice. Henri Fayol was able
to synthesize 14 principles of management after years of study, namely:

1. Division of Work

In practice, employees are specialized in different areas and they have different skills. Different levels of
expertise can be distinguished within the knowledge areas (from generalist to specialist). Personal and
professional developments support this. According to Henri Fayol specialization promotes efficiency of
the workforce and increases productivity. In addition, the specialization of the workforce increases their
accuracy and speed. This management principle of the 14 principles of management is applicable to
both technical and managerial activities.

2. Authority and Responsibility

In order to get things done in an organization, management has the authority to give orders to the
employees. Of course with this authority comes responsibility. According to Henri Fayol, the
accompanying power or authority gives the management the right to give orders to the subordinates.
The responsibility can be traced back from performance and it is therefore necessary to make
agreements about this. In other words, authority and responsibility go together and they are two sides
of the same coin.

3. Discipline

This third principle of the 14 principles of management is about obedience. 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. Unity of Command

The management principle ‘Unity of command’ 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. By using this principle, the responsibility for mistakes can
be established more easily.

5. Unity of Direction

This management principle of the 14 principles of management 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 ultimately responsible for this plan and he monitors the progress of the defined and planned
activities. Focus areas are the efforts made by the employees and coordination.

6. Subordination of Individual Interest

There are always all kinds of interests in an organization. In order to have an organization function well,
Henri Fayol indicated that personal interests are subordinate to the interests of the organization (ethics).
The primary focus is on the organizational objectives and not on those of the individual. This applies to
all levels of the entire organization, including the managers.

7. Remuneration
Motivation and productivity are close to one another as far as the smooth running of an organization is
concerned. This management principle of the 14 principles of management argues that the
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, bonus or other financial compensation). Ultimately, it is about rewarding the efforts that
have been made.

8. The Degree of Centralization

Management and authority for decision-making process must be properly balanced in an organization.
This depends on the volume and size of an organization including its hierarchy.

Centralization implies the concentration of decision making authority at the top management (executive
board). Sharing of authorities for the decision-making process with lower levels (middle and lower
management), is referred to as decentralization by Henri Fayol. Henri Fayol indicated that an organization
should strive for a good balance in this.

9. Scalar Chain

Hierarchy presents itself in any given organization. This varies from senior management (executive
board) to the lowest levels in the organization. Henri Fayol ’s “hierarchy” management principle states
that there should be a clear line in the area of authority (from top to bottom and all managers at all
levels). This can be seen as a type of management structure. Each employee can contact a manager or a
superior in an emergency situation without challenging the hierarchy. Especially, when it concerns
reports about calamities to the immediate managers/superiors.

10. Order

According to this principle of the 14 principles of management, 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 (responsibility of the managers) the work environment must be safe, clean and tidy.

11. Equity

The management principle of equity often occurs in the core values of an organization. According to
Henri Fayol, employees must be treated kindly and equally. Employees 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.

12. Stability of Tenure of Personnel

This management principle of the 14 principles of management 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. Initiative

Henri Fayol argued that with this management principle employees should be allowed to express new
ideas. This encourages interest and involvement and creates added value for the company. Employee
initiatives are a source of strength for the organization according to Henri Fayol. This encourages the
employees to be involved and interested.

14. Esprit de Corps

The management principle ‘esprit de corps’ of the 14 principles of management 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.

In conclusion on the 14 Principles of management

The 14 principles of management can be used to manage organizations and are useful tools for
forecasting, planning, process management, organization management, decision-making, coordination
and control.

Although they are obvious, many of these matters are still used based on common sense in current
management practices in organizations. It remains a practical list with focus areas that are based on
Henri Fayol ’s research which still applies today due to a number of logical principles.