Scalar Chain in Management
The formal line of authority, which moves gradually from the lowest to the highest rank in a straight line, is known as the scalar chain. Specific people sitting at specific positions need to know a lot of information about the management system. The scalar chain principle of management is a root that specifies the chain of people through which the information should be communicated to the desired person or location for a faster pace of work.
To facilitate proper communication of the supervisory committee's orders and the subordinate’s feelings, Fayol stated that every organizational information must follow a particular route and flow in a chain.
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The Advantages of Scalar Chain
Every organization must strictly follow the scalar chain for proper functioning. During the entire communication process, there must be no overlapping of any steps, which reduces the chance of any miscommunications. In any business, multiple numbers of problems occur, but if a scalar chain is present, then every employee is aware of whom to approach in case of solving a problem. A required message can be communicated by the top management to the entire organization by following the scalar chain principle of management. If the proper route is known, then the top management team’s order can be easily executed by the supervisors at each level without any communication gap. Unnecessary organizational chaos will be avoided.
Henri Fayol Scalar Chain
The famous ladder diagram of Henri Fayol explained to several organizations the scalar chain principle of management and how the flow of information should take place. Let us consider that in an organization, there are M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U number of employees at various posts. Say, for example, employee O needs to communicate with employee S through the scalar chain diagram then the route should first follow from O to N followed by M and then to R. Hence, the information will follow a route of four steps to reach from employee O to the employee S.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Henri Fayol Scalar Chain
In case of any discrepancies, delay, or confusion, the accountable person can be questioned immediately, and problems can be easily solved. It will automatically felicitate a clear system of communication and authority. While asking the question of what is scalar chain many people forget to ask what are the disadvantages or limitations of a scalar chain. The main disadvantage of a scalar chain is that it consumes a huge amount of time. There are situations where immediate actions are required, but if one goes on following the scalar chain route, then it can delay the action or decision to be taken as the main information takes a lot of time to reach the specific person. This sort of delay can bring huge losses to the company as well.
Concept of Gang Plank
We already know that scalar chain refers to the route of the flow of information to the desired person in an organization. We have already discovered that it has its limits and disadvantages. Hence, Henri Fayol introduced his new concept of Gang Plank. In case of any emergencies, two employees of different departments of the same enterprise but having the same position can communicate without following any route. This will automatically save a lot of time and allow a person to take immediate decisions which can avoid unnecessary organizational losses. In the case of the above example, employee O can directly communicate with employee S in case of emergency using the Gang Plank theory, which is yet another principle of a scalar chain. This increases proficiency levels and effectiveness. This concept has been further modified nowadays as per modern-day management.
What Happens if Scalar Chain is Violated?
If the close supervisors are ignored, then it can cause unnecessary bitterness in employee relationships. Improper communication of information or delay in communicating a piece of information to the right person can turn out to be fatal for an enterprise at any moment. If a scalar change in management is not maintained, then in case of any miscommunication or problems, it becomes very difficult to find the person responsible for the act. But if this route is maintained, then systematic and faster communication amongst employees can be maintained. All problems can be easily solved due to clear communication records, and employees will have better relationships amongst themselves.
Conclusion
If a scalar change in management is not maintained, then in case of any miscommunication or problems, it becomes very difficult to find the person responsible for the act. But if this route is maintained, then systematic and faster communication amongst employees can be maintained. All problems can be easily solved due to clear communication records, and employees will have better relationships amongst themselves.
FAQs on Scalar Chain
1. What is the Scalar Chain as per Henri Fayol's principles of management?
The Scalar Chain is one of the 14 principles of management developed by Henri Fayol. It refers to the formal line of authority and communication that runs from the highest rank to the lowest rank in an organisation. This principle dictates that all communication should follow this established chain, ensuring an orderly flow of information and clarity in authority-responsibility relationships. It essentially creates a clear hierarchical structure for communication.
2. How does the Scalar Chain work in an organisation? Provide an example.
The Scalar Chain works by creating a pre-defined path for communication. For example, if a worker at the lowest level (let's call them 'E') needs to communicate a message to a top-level manager ('A'), the message would not go directly. Instead, it would travel up through each intermediate supervisor (E to D, D to C, C to B, and finally B to A). This ensures that every level of management is kept informed. A classic example is a V-shaped or ladder diagram where information must travel up one side of the hierarchy to the top and then down the other side to reach someone in a different department.
3. What is a 'Gang Plank' and how does it relate to the Scalar Chain?
A 'Gang Plank' is an exception to the principle of the Scalar Chain, also proposed by Henri Fayol. It is a provision for direct communication between two employees at the same level of authority but in different departments. Its purpose is to avoid delays in communication during emergencies or when a quick decision is needed. While the Scalar Chain ensures systematic flow, the Gang Plank provides a shortcut or 'bridge' to enhance efficiency without undermining the formal structure, as the immediate superiors are kept informed of the direct contact.
4. Why is adhering to the Scalar Chain important for a business?
Adhering to the Scalar Chain is crucial for several reasons:
- Orderly Communication: It prevents communication gaps and chaos by ensuring information flows through a systematic route.
- Clear Authority: Every employee knows who their immediate superior is, to whom they are accountable, and from whom they will receive orders.
- Accountability: If a communication breakdown occurs, it's easy to identify where the problem happened and hold the responsible person accountable.
- Unity of Command: It supports the principle of unity of command, as the chain clarifies who reports to whom, avoiding confusion from multiple bosses.
5. What are the main limitations or disadvantages of a strict Scalar Chain?
While beneficial, a strict adherence to the Scalar Chain has significant limitations. The primary disadvantage is that it can be extremely time-consuming. Forcing communication to pass through every level of the hierarchy can delay decision-making and action, which is particularly harmful in urgent situations. This rigidity can stifle quick problem-solving and may lead to a distorted message as it passes through multiple levels, a phenomenon sometimes called the 'grapevine' effect.
6. How is the Scalar Chain different from the Chain of Command?
The terms Scalar Chain and Chain of Command are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference in emphasis. The Chain of Command primarily focuses on the line of authority—who reports to whom and who has the power to give orders. The Scalar Chain, while encompassing this, places a stronger emphasis on the flow of communication along that line of authority. In essence, the Chain of Command is the structure, while the Scalar Chain is the principle of communicating through that structure.
7. In modern, flexible organisations, is the principle of Scalar Chain still relevant?
Yes, the principle of the Scalar Chain is still relevant, but its application has evolved. While modern organisations with flatter structures and cross-functional teams may not follow a rigid, top-down chain, the underlying concept of having a clear line of authority and accountability remains essential. The introduction of concepts like the Gang Plank shows that even Fayol recognised the need for flexibility. Today, the principle is adapted to ensure clarity and order without creating bureaucratic delays, often supported by modern communication tools that allow for both formal and informal channels.
