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

Scalar Chain: This is the principle discussed in the above case study.

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.