Fayolism

Fayolism is the school of thought derived from the management theories of the French engineer Henri Fayol (1841–1925). Fayol developed a systematic approach to management that he described in his 1916 book “General and Industrial Management.” He identified fourteen general principles of administration that he believed were applicable across all types of organizations. These principles include division of work, authority and responsibility, unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of individual interests to the general interest, remuneration, centralization, scalar chain, order, equity, stability of tenure, initiative, and esprit de corps. Fayol also emphasized the importance of planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling as the five functions of management, which later contributed to the development of contemporary management theory.

Unlike the scientific management approach of Frederick Winslow Taylor, which focused on efficiency through time-and-motion studies, Fayolism concentrates on the broader context of organizational structure and administrative policy. Fayol’s work has influenced the design of modern corporate hierarchies, the development of agency theory, and the adoption of management training programs worldwide. His ideas are still taught in business schools, particularly in courses on management style, organizational behavior, and strategic planning.

Critics of Fayolism argue that its principles are too prescriptive for dynamic, technology-driven environments and that it inadequately addresses the human and creative aspects of work. Nevertheless, many scholars appreciate Fayolism as a foundational framework that articulated the core functions of management and established a common language for describing administrative practices. The legacy of Fayolism endures through its continued inclusion in the canon of management literature and its application in the design of both traditional and hybrid organizational structures.