Henri Fayol was a pivotal figure in the field of management theory, born on July 29, 1841, in Istanbul, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey), and died on November 19, 1925, in Paris, France. He is best known for his development of the Fayol's 14 Principles of Management, which are foundational to modern management practices.
Background and Career
- Fayol graduated from the École des Mines in Saint-Étienne, France, which was known for its rigorous engineering education.
- He began his career at the Commentry-Fourchambault et Decazeville mining company, where he eventually rose to the position of managing director in 1888.
- Under his leadership, the company recovered from near bankruptcy to become a profitable enterprise, largely due to his innovative management techniques.
Contributions to Management Theory
Fayol's most significant contribution to the field of management was his book, "Administration Industrielle et Générale," published in 1916. Here are some key elements:
- The 14 Principles of Management: These principles include:
- Division of Work
- Authority and Responsibility
- Discipline
- Unity of Command
- Unity of Direction
- Subordination of Individual Interests to the General Interest
- Remuneration
- Centralization
- Scalar Chain (Chain of Command)
- Order
- Equity
- Stability of Tenure of Personnel
- Initiative
- Esprit de Corps
- The Five Functions of Management: Fayol outlined these as:
- Planning
- Organizing
- Commanding
- Coordinating
- Controlling
Legacy and Influence
Fayol's work laid the groundwork for modern management practices, influencing:
- Business schools and their curricula, where his principles are often taught as fundamental management concepts.
- Subsequent management theorists like Peter Drucker and Chester Barnard.
- The development of management as a distinct academic discipline.
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