What is the prime rule that a functional organization fails to uphold?

In a functional organization, the prime rule that it often fails to uphold is that workers perform best when they have but one supervisor. The rationale behind this principle is rooted in the clarity of command and accountability. When employees report to multiple supervisors, they may receive conflicting instructions, leading to confusion and decreased productivity. Having a single supervisor helps ensure that communication is streamlined, responsibilities are clearly defined, and employees understand expectations without ambiguity.

In contrast, scenarios where workers have multiple supervisors can create power struggles or overlap in directives, complicating the workflow. This can lead to inefficiencies, as employees may spend more time reconciling differing commands rather than focusing on their core tasks. Providing a single point of authority typically enhances morale and effectiveness, allowing employees to know exactly whom to approach for guidance or decisions.