UTH decided to undertake a project with another engineering company in collaboration to design a new prototype. It has a Research and Development (R&D) function where the employees report to a R&D manager. UTH is an engineering firm that produces electronic devices. This type of organizational structure leads to dual subordination where the subordinates are accountable for two managers.Į.g. This means that a matrix structure combines two organizational structures, most commonly a functional structure and a divisional structure. The matrix structure is a type of organizational structure where employees are grouped concurrently by two different operational dimensions. However, unity of command is only applicable to organizations with a traditional hierarchy. Performance evaluation of the subordinates are also made convenient through unity of command. Unity of command is a very effective way of controlling subordinates and leads to less confusion and complexity. The person to whom the employee is responsible for and is directly reporting is referred to as the ‘immediate supervisor’ or ‘immediate boss’. Unity of command ignores dual subordination since one employee cannot report to more than one supervisor.

Unity of command states that each employee is accountable to one supervisor or manager from whom the employee receives orders, relating to the duties to be performed. Side by Side Comparison – Unity of Command vs Unity of Direction in Tabular Form Both concepts were introduced by Mining engineer of France, Henry Fayol.

The key difference between unity of command and unity of direction is that unity of command states that each employee is accountable to one supervisor or manager from whom the employee receives orders relating to the duties to be performed whereas unity of direction explains that a group of activities that have the same objective should be performed as per a single plan and supervised by one manager.

Unity of command and unity of direction are two important aspects to consider in an organizational hierarchy. Key Difference – Unity of Command vs Unity of Direction

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