Fayol's 14 principles of management
Henri Fayol was a French engineer born in 1894 who worked in the mining industry. He is said to be the father of modern management and his theories and principles are still respected today.
He gained experience working in the mines and improved the company he worked in from verge of bankruptcy to success. He wrote a book ‘General and Industrial Management’ that captures the 14 principles of management that can be used across any industry and which he believes can be taught.
The principles are:
- Division of work - Workers with specialist skills becomes increasingly skilled and more efficient, which can increase productivity.
- Authority and responsibility - Managers must be allowed the authority to give orders but they must be aware of the responsibility that comes with it.
- Discipline - Discipline must be upheld but the methods are flexible.
- Unity of command - Employees should have only one direct supervisor.
- Unity of direction - Teams with the same objective should be working under the direction of one manager, using one plan. This will ensure a well-coordinated execution.
- Subordination of individual interest to the general interest - The team as a whole is more important than the individual, including the manager.
- Remuneration - Fair remuneration will lead to satisfied workers. This might include both financial and non-financial rewards.
- Centralisation - Decision making should be balanced in terms of employee involvement.
- Scaler chain - Employees should be clear of their position concerning the business hierarchy.
- Order - The workplace should be clean, safe and tidy.
- Equity - Managers should maintain fairness to all employees and apply discipline but also kindness.
- Stability of tenure of personnel - Managers should strive to minimise personnel turnover.
- Initiative - Employees should have appropriate freedom to create and carry out plans.
- Esprit de corps - Organisations should strive to promote team spirit, loyalty and unity.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A new theory for managing large complex projects.
- Code of practice for project management.
- Code of practice for programme management.
- Guide to managing construction projects.
- How to become a construction manager.
- How to manage construction plant.
- Leadership on design and construction projects.
- Leadership styles.
- Lean construction.
- Lean Six Sigma.
- Lean thinking.
- Management structure for construction clients.
- Performance management plan.
- Practice management.
- Relationship management.
- Total quality management in construction.
- Value management.
Featured articles and news
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.