Question

Give any four differences between unity of command and unity of direction.

Hint:

Unity of command deals with reporting to one boss, whereas unity of direction deals with one plan for one objective.

Answer 1

Unity of command and unity of direction are two important principles of management given by Henri Fayol. Although both aim at ensuring coordination and efficiency, they differ in their meaning and application. The four major differences between them are explained below.
(i) Meaning:
Unity of command means that an employee should receive orders from only one superior at a time. On the other hand, unity of direction means that all activities having the same objective should be directed by one manager and follow one plan.
(ii) Focus:
Unity of command focuses on the relationship between a superior and a subordinate. In contrast, unity of direction focuses on the coordination of activities and efforts of different departments toward a common goal.
(iii) Objective:
The main objective of unity of command is to avoid confusion, conflict, and overlapping of instructions. The objective of unity of direction is to ensure unity of action and effective achievement of organizational goals.
(iv) Scope:
Unity of command is concerned with individual employees and their reporting relationships. Unity of direction is concerned with the entire organization or a group of activities having the same objective.
Thus, while unity of command ensures discipline at the individual level, unity of direction ensures coordination at the organizational level.