Henri Fayol’s 14 Principles Of Management

By: Job Hai | May 22, 2025 4 min read
Henri Fayol’s 14 Principles Of Management

Management is a process of planning, organizing, leading and controlling resources like people, money and materials to achieve specific organisational goals in the best way possible. Whether it is a team of five or hundred people in a company, good management ensures smooth workflow, productivity and growth. Besides this, strong management guides people in the right direction and supports organizational benefits. 

Henry Fayol is a renowned figure and widely regarded as the Father Of Modern Management Theory. He developed a clear and practical framework known as 14 Principles Of Management, famously known as Henri Fayol’s 14 Principles of Management which are widely used by business even today.

Who Was Henri Fayol?

Henri Fayol was a French mining engineer and theorist of business administration which he developed in the early 20th century. His theory introduced the function of management i.e. planning, organising, command, coordination and control that became a backbone in the development of management studies. Besides this, his principles of management focused on how managers should organize and interact with staff.

Henry Fayol’s 14 Principles Of Management

Given below are the 14 principles of management by Henry Fayol:

  1. Division Of Work – Assigning work to those who specialize in the task for better productivity.
  2. Authority And Responsibility – Managers must have the authority to give orders but also take the responsibility for their actions.
  3. Discipline – Employees should follow and respect company rules.
  4. Unity Of Command – Unity of command explains that each employee should receive orders from only one superior.  
  5. Unity Of Direction – Unity of direction suggests that all employees work towards the one plan to fulfill organisational goals.
  6. Subordination Of Individual Interest To General Interest – In any organization, the company’s interests should always be prioritized over individual interest.
  7. Remuneration – Fair and equitable pay structures within an organization motivated the employees.
  8. Centralization – Refers to the decision-making concentrated at the top levels of an organization versus being decentralized and diffused at the lower levels. It creates a balance between decision-making by top management and lower-level employees. 
  9. Scalar Chain – A clear hierarchy should be maintained from top management to lower levels.
  10. Order – Order suggests that there should be a fixed place for everything and it should stay in that place.
  11. Equity – Fair treatment of employees ensures loyalty and motivation.
  12. Stability Of Tenure – It is essential to ensure that employees remain stable in their positions with the company for a long time and avoid staff turnover as much as possible. 
  13. Initiative – Encouraging employees to take initiative increases creativity and growth.
  14. Esprit De Corps – This term means “team spirit” where teamwork and unity among members help improve the overall performance of an organization.

These principles are practical guidelines that help managers manage day-to-day responsibilities smoothly and plan long-term strategies effectively. If you’re looking for a managerial position or a part of it, understanding and applying Henri Fayol’s principles of management can make you stand out. To explore top management jobs, download Job Hai, an online job finding portal that helps you find jobs from 45+ categories in your preferred city and location.

Importance Of Henry Fayol’s Principle Of Management

Henri Fayol’s principles of management provide a universal foundation for effective management. The principles help in:

  • Establishing Clear Structure: By defining roles and responsibilities, managers can reduce confusion and increase productivity. 
  • Improving Team Coordination: Principles like unity of command and esprit de corps helps ensure harmony and reduce workplace conflicts.
  • Boosting Efficiency: Division of work helps in streamlining operations and improves productivity.
  • Encouraging And Motivation: Fair and equitable pay structures lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention.
  • Supports Strategic Planning: Principles such as initiative and stability of tenure allow managers to think long-term while maintaining stability.

Moreover, understanding the Henry Fayol’s principle of management can help job seekers with an edge in interviews and make them a strong candidate for leadership roles.

Conclusion

Henri Fayol’s contribution to management is relevant and highly influential even in today’s time. His 14 principles of management are not just theories, but essential tools for effective leadership and organizational success. Whether someone is a business student, a new manager or a job seeker aiming for leadership roles, understanding these principles can help perform better and grow faster.

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FAQs

Q1: What Is Management In 5 Words?

A- Management is planning, organizing, leading, controlling and coordinating to achieve goals efficiently.

Q2: Who Is The Father Of Management?

A- Henri Fayol is known as the father of management.

Q3: What Is Directing?

A- Directing is the process of guiding, leading and motivating employees to achieve organizational goals.

Q4: Why Is It called Manager?

A- The word “manager” likely comes from the Latin manus, meaning “hand,” symbolizing guidance and support.

Q5: What Is Fayol’s Theory Of Management?

A- Fayol’s theory of management, also known as Administrative Theory, focuses on the key functions and principles needed for effective management.