Which principle ensures that one supervisor directs all activities for a given unit?

• A. Unity of Command
• B. Chain of Command
• C. Span of Control
• D. Division of Labor

Answer: (A)

Unity of Command means that every member has one direct supervisor for all activities within a unit. This creates a single, clear line of authority so directions are consistent and accountability is straightforward. When a crew operates under one supervisor, everyone knows who is issuing tasks, who to report back to, and who is responsible for the outcome, which speeds decision-making and reduces confusion. If multiple supervisors attempted to direct the same unit, conflicting orders could arise, leading to delays, safety risks, and blurred responsibility.

Understanding how this differs from related ideas helps solidify why it’s the correct principle here: Chain of Command describes the overall flow of authority through the organization from top to bottom; Span of Control concerns how many subordinates a supervisor can manage effectively; Division of Labor refers to assigning specialized tasks to different members to improve efficiency. Unity of Command specifically ensures a single supervisory source for all activities within a unit, preventing mixed messages and enhancing coordination.