Principle: UNITY OF DIRECTION

This principle states ‘One Head One Plan’. It means that all the employees having same objective must be directed towards the achievement of the common goal and thus must have one head and one plan. This principle makes it necessary that there should be unity of action.

There are different divisions in the organization for different activities and thus the efforts of the employees of one division having the common objective must be directed towards the achievement of these objectives, taking into account the threats, opportunities for that division.

The application of this principle helps in establishing co-ordination and uniformity in the activities as well as in the organization. It also reduces the duplication of activities in the organization and thus helps in minimizing the wastage of resources.

This principle is often confused with the principle of ‘Unity of Command’ as both sound the same. But the difference between them is quite clear as ‘Unity of command’ is concerned with taking command from one boss whereas the principle of ‘Unity of Direction’ is concerned with the direction of the efforts of the employees of one division towards the achievement of the objectives of that division.

Positive impacts of this principle:

Ø  Efficient achievement of organizational objective;

Ø  Better coordination among the employees;

Ø  Efforts of employees are directed in a better way; and

Ø  Systematic working environment is developed in the organization.

Consequences of violation of this principle:

Ø  Decrease in organizational efficiency;

Ø  Lack of coordination;

Ø  Wastage of resources;

Ø  Difficulty in achievement of organizational objective; and

Ø  Duplication of activities.