Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Monique, the dining room supervisor at the End Around Restaurant, was concerned that when servers were unhappy with their work schedules they complained directly to the restaurant manager. What management principle may have been violated?

1. Discipline

2. Organizational hierarchy

3. Employee initiative

4. Unity of command

The correct answer is: Organizational hierarchy

The correct choice highlights a violation of the principle of organizational hierarchy. In a well-structured organization, there are clear lines of authority and communication. Supervisors, like Monique, are responsible for managing their teams and addressing concerns at the appropriate level. When employees bypass their immediate supervisor to address complaints directly to higher management, it undermines the established chain of command. This principle emphasizes the importance of employees bringing issues to their direct supervisors first. It allows for problems to be resolved at the level where they occur, promoting better communication and more effective management. By not adhering to this structure, the organization could face confusion, potential conflict, and a breakdown in authority, making it more difficult for supervisors to lead effectively. The other options, while relevant to overall management practices, do not specifically address the issue of bypassing the supervisor. For example, discipline involves management's approach to enforcing rules, employee initiative refers to the ability of employees to take action without waiting for instructions, and unity of command refers to the concept that each employee should report to only one supervisor, which is a broader aspect of organizational structure. However, organizational hierarchy specifically pertains to the expected flow of communication and authority within the restaurant, making it the most fitting answer in this context.