Final answer:
The principle of unity of command recommends that employees should report to no more than one manager to prevent conflicts and maintain efficiency. This aligns with the hierarchy of authority in an organization, which sets clear lines of reporting and communication from the employee level up to the top executives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of unity of command was popular with early management theorists. It stressed the importance of employees reporting to no more than one manager, in order to avoid conflicting priorities and demands. This concept is a fundamental aspect of a hierarchy of authority, which in a business context, defines the chain of command from the lower levels of operation up to the highest executive positions. A clear example of a hierarchy of authority can be seen in large corporations like Walmart, where employees report to their shift managers, who in turn report to the store manager, regional manager, and so forth, up to the CEO and the board members.
In the context of organizational structure, the unity of command ensures that employees have a single supervisor to whom they report, which helps to maintain efficiency and clarity in communication. This avoids the confusion and inefficiency that could result from having multiple superiors with potentially conflicting instructions or expectations. Theories such as McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y highlight different management styles that correspond to how managers perceive and interact with their employees, with Theory X leaning more heavily on hierarchy and strict supervision, and Theory Y promoting employee participation and input.