Question

According to Henri Fayol, initiative refers to:

A. the ability to act on one's own without direction from a superior.

B. shared feelings of comradeship, enthusiasm, or devotion to a common cause among members of a group.

C. the justice, impartiality, and fairness to which all organizational members are entitled.

D. the methodical arrangement of positions to provide the organization with the greatest benefit and to provide employees with career opportunities.

E. obedience, energy, application, and other outward marks of respect for a superior's authority.

Answer 1

Initiative, according to Henri Fayol, means the ability to act independently without needing directions from a superior, a trait that is highly valued by employers.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Henri Fayol, initiative refers to the ability to act on one's own without direction from a superior. Fayol placed significant value on the ability of employees to exercise personal judgement and to undertake actions independently. An employee who demonstrates initiative does not wait for explicit instructions from above; instead, they are proactive in identifying and addressing issues or in seeking out opportunities to add value to their organization.

Employers appreciate when their staff can handle tasks and solve problems with minimal oversight, which aligns with Fayol's principles. This capacity for taking initiative is crucial in today's fast-paced business environments where responsive and adaptable behaviors are key to success. Furthermore, displaying initiative is indicative of an employee's commitment and can be beneficial for career growth.