Question

Explain the following principles of management :

(i) Discipline

(ii) Unity of direction

(iii) Equity

Hint:

Explain discipline as obedience to rules, unity of direction as one head and one plan for the same objective, and equity as fair and kind treatment.

Answer 1

Step 1: Discipline:
Discipline is obedience to the rules and to the employment agreement of the organisation. It also includes respect for authority.
It is required from all, from the top manager to the lowest worker. Clear rules, good superiors and fair penalties help to maintain it.
Without discipline, work gets disturbed and the targets are missed.

Step 2: Unity of Direction:
Each group of activities with the same objective must have one head and one plan.
If two plans are used for the same objective, the efforts of the people are pulled in different directions and energy is wasted.
This principle brings coordination. It is about the whole group of activities, while unity of command is about one employee and one boss.

Step 3: Equity:
Equity means fair and kind treatment of employees. Managers must be just and also considerate.
No difference should be made on grounds of religion, caste, sex or language.
Fair treatment builds loyalty and devotion in employees, and they work with greater interest.

Final Answer:
Discipline is obedience to rules, unity of direction is one head and one plan, and equity is fair treatment of employees.