What is the concept of ‘Gangplank’ in an organization ?

Correct option is C

The concept of ‘Gangplank’ in an organization refers to the horizontal communication between employees at different hierarchical levels, bypassing the traditional vertical chain of command. It is used to facilitate smoother communication and decision-making in situations where quick action is required, without going through the usual hierarchical channels. The term was coined by Henri Fayol, a French management theorist, to describe the ability of employees to communicate directly with others across different levels of the organizational hierarchy, similar to how a gangplank provides a direct path between two ships.

In this model, an employee can directly communicate or take decisions with someone at a different level, thereby “jumping” over the formal chain of command for efficient and quick action. This approach can speed up decision-making, promote flexibility, and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Information Booster:

• (a) A training tool: While training tools are important for employee development, they have no direct connection to the concept of gangplank in organizational structure.

• (b) Budgeting software: Budgeting software is used for financial management, not for facilitating communication or level-jumping in organizational hierarchy.

• (d) An accounting agency: An accounting agency is a third-party service provider for financial management, not related to the concept of communication or decision-making within an organization.