On the basis of the management experts, the major principles of organizing are listed below:
- Scalar Principle:
It is also known as ‘chain of command’. It is an unbroken line of command/ authority from the top level to the bottom of an organization. This chain of command should be short and clear. If it could be, the decision-making and communication will be more effective and efficient.
- Principle of flexibility:
The organizational structure should be flexible. It should be adaptable to changing circumstances or situation. It should easily permit any expansion and replacement without dislocating the basic design of the organization.
- Principle of authority:
Authority means the right and power. It is the tool which makes the manager able to accomplish the desired goals. Hence, the authority of each manager should be clearly defined and it should equal to responsiveness.
- Principle of delegation:
Under this principle of delegation of authority, rights, and power should be equal to responsibility so as to enable each manager to accomplish the task assigned to him/her.
- Principle of unity of command:
According to the principle of unity of command, each subordinate should have one superior, whose command has to be obeyed. If a person is to receive a direction from several superior, it may result in confusion, chaos, conflict, and indiscipline. So, there should be unity of command in an organization.
- Principle of the span of control:
The span of control is a principle or it is a device, with the help of which a number of subordinates can be controlled, their number can be determined and the activities can be supervised. A manager cannot handle an unlimited number of subordinates. Hence, it guides and helps to determine the numerical limit of subordinates to be supervised or controlled by the manager. If the numbers of subordinates are limited, a manager can control and supervise effectively. But the number of subordinates may vary depending upon the nature of the job, the competence of manager and quality of subordinates.
- Principle of unity of objectives:
Organizing helps to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization which affects the organizational structure. So, the goals and objectives of an organization should be clearly defined. The objectives should be defined very clearly for each department, for each section and even for each position of the organizational structures. All the objectives should be unified in such a way that it could facilitate to concentrate all the efforts towards the attainment of an organizational goal.
- Principle of efficiency:
An organization should increase its efficiency in such a way that the cost or expenditure of mission and objectives of the enterprise below. An efficient organizational structure helps to operate the resources efficiently. Hence, it ensures optimum utilization of resources.
- Principle of a division of works:
Division of work can be created where the separate nature of jobs can be performed. Effective departmentation as per the work and task can be created and it is an important principle of the organization.
- Principle of unity of direction:
There should be one objective (unified objective) and plan for the group activities. If it could be a direction from the superior it will be the same to all subordinates. All the subordinates will be receiving the same direction in their respective works and thus under this principle of unity of direction, they will be free from dilemma about obeying diversified direction. This will also facilitate the verification and coordination of activities.
- Principle of simplicity:
This principle emphasizes the simplicity of the organizational structure. If there exist a long member of levels in an organization, there is a possibility of difficulty in communication and coordination. It clears that the activities and the system of an organization should be simple and easy to understand.
- Principle of responsibility:
The principle of responsibility makes the superior responsible for their authority. In a sound organization, the superior is responsible for the performance of subordinates. The authority can be delegated but not responsibility.
- Principle of balance:
There should be a proper and reasonable balance in works and activities and the size of departments within the organization. Further, there should also be a reasonable balance between centralization and decentralization. Overemphasis of any type and preferences to anyone should be avoided.
- Principle of specialization:
The principle of effective organization provokes specialization. Under this principle of specialization, the total task of an organization is divided in such a manner that every person is confined to a single and particular job, which leads to specialization of work.
