Which statement best defines the scalar principle?
A. Authority and responsibility must coincide.
B. Managers should concentrate on matters that deviate significantly from normal and allow subordinates to handle routine matters.
C. Authority in an organization should flow through the hierarchical chain of command from the highest to the lowest ranks.
D. Employees should have one and only one immediate manager.
https://ils.unc.edu/daniel/405/Montana11.pdf
C is the correct answer
To determine which statement best defines the scalar principle, we need to understand the concept and then compare it with the given options.
The scalar principle is a fundamental principle of organizational structure and management. It establishes a clear line of communication and authority within an organization. According to this principle, individuals should have a direct line of authority and accountability from the highest level in the hierarchy to the lowest.
Now let's analyze the options:
A. Authority and responsibility must coincide: This statement does not directly describe the scalar principle. It refers to the idea that those who have authority also have the corresponding responsibility, but it does not specifically address the scalar principle.
B. Managers should concentrate on matters that deviate significantly from normal and allow subordinates to handle routine matters: This statement does not directly relate to the scalar principle. It suggests a delegation of tasks based on significance, but it does not address the hierarchical flow of authority.
C. Authority in an organization should flow through the hierarchical chain of command from the highest to the lowest ranks: This statement aligns with the scalar principle, as it describes the proper flow of authority within an organization's hierarchy. It states that authority should move from higher-ranking individuals to lower-ranking individuals.
D. Employees should have one and only one immediate manager: This statement does not capture the essence of the scalar principle. It describes the idea of employees having just one manager, but it does not address the overall hierarchy of authority within an organization.
Comparing the given options, the statement that best defines the scalar principle is:
C. Authority in an organization should flow through the hierarchical chain of command from the highest to the lowest ranks.