Question

Vibhu joined as a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of 'Mega Marut Ltd.', a firm manufacturing cars. On the first day he addressed his subordinates saying that organisations should have a chain of authority and communication that runs from top to bottom and should be followed by managers and the subordinates. He also added that for routine matters a worker can not directly contact the CEO but in an emergency he/she may contact directly. 

Vibhu discussed an important principle of management. Identify and explain the principle with the help of an example.

Answer 1

The scalar chain refers to the official lines of authority between superiors and subordinates from the highest to the lowest positions.

According to Fayol, organizations should have a chain of authority and communication that extends from top to bottom and is followed by managers and subordinates.

This chain should not be broken; however in an emergency, personnel at the same level can contact their immediate supervisors via GANG PLANK.

Concerning the scalar chain, the term GANG-PLANK is employed. A gang-plank arrangement is one in which two managers working at the same level can interact directly for speedy communication.

If D wants to speak with G, the message will normally travel from D to A via C and B, then from A to G via E and F. However, if quick communication is required, a Gang-Plank (dotted line) can be established between D and G without jeopardizing the chain of command.