Explain the following principles of Fayol with the help of one example of each: (i) Initiative (ii) Espirit de Corps.

(i) Initiative: Fayol wanted that subordinates should be given an opportunity to take some initiatives in making and executing the plans. Employees get satisfaction when they are allowed to take initiatives. Initiatives on their part can be a great source of organisational strength.

For example, Before setting up the plan, the manager must welcome the suggestions and ideas of its employees to allow their maximum participation. But once the plan is made, every employee must follow and implement it.

(ii) Espirit de Corps: According to this principle, the management should take responsible steps to develop a sense of belongingness and feeling of team spirit among employees. In order to achieve the best possible results, individual and group efforts need to be effectively integrated and coordinated. Management must infuse the team spirit in the workers. It develops atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding among employees and minimises the need of penalties for default. A manager should replace ‘I’ with ‘We’ in his conversations to promote spirit of team work.

For example, If a department has to achieve a target, then according to this principle, it is the duty of each member of the department to ensure that target is achieved on time, even if any member is unable to fulfil his/her individual target. It means that employees should not concentrate only on achieving their individual targets but on achieving group targets.