Henri Fayol - Political Science Coaching Centre

The term "Gangplank" in Public Administration was introduced by Henri Fayol, a pioneer in management theory, in his 14 Principles of Management. It refers to a system that allows for direct communication between employees at the same level of hierarchy, bypassing the formal chain of command when necessary.

Key Aspects of the "Gangplank" concept:

Bypassing the Hierarchy:
- Typically, communication in an organization follows a hierarchical structure, where information flows from lower to higher levels through each step of the chain. The Gangplank concept allows for direct communication between peers at the same level without going through each level of the hierarchy.
Increased Efficiency:
- Fayol recognized that the strict adherence to a hierarchical chain could slow down decision-making and communication. The Gangplank facilitates faster resolution of issues by allowing peers to communicate directly when appropriate, avoiding delays caused by the rigid structure.
Temporary Bypass:
- It's important to note that the Gangplank is not a violation of the chain of command; it is a temporary bypass that should be used when speed is required, and normal communication channels would cause unnecessary delays.

Example:

If two department heads need to discuss a matter, instead of going through their respective supervisors, they can directly communicate with each other via the Gangplank, speeding up the decision-making process while still maintaining overall organizational discipline.

Significance:

The Gangplank enhances flexibility in formal organizational structures and emphasizes practical efficiency without undermining authority, making it a relevant concept in modern management and public administration.

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Key Aspects of the "Gangplank" concept:

Example:

Significance: