Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

Unity of Command refers to:

1. Multiple supervisors for each employee

2. Each person reports to one supervisor

3. The organization of departments

4. The division of responsibilities

The correct answer is: Each person reports to one supervisor

Unity of Command is a fundamental principle in organizational management, particularly important in healthcare settings, including nursing homes. It emphasizes that each employee should report to a single supervisor in order to ensure clear communication, accountability, and authority within the organization. The importance of this concept lies in reducing confusion and potential conflicts that can arise when employees have multiple supervisors. When each person reports to one supervisor, it streamlines decision-making processes, enhances coordination, and helps maintain clarity regarding roles and expectations. This leads to a more effective organizational structure where responsibilities are distinctly outlined, and accountability can be easily assessed. In contrast, having multiple supervisors can create ambiguity in reporting relationships, potentially leading to conflicting instructions and reduced efficiency. The other options, while touching on aspects of organizational structure and responsibilities, do not encapsulate the essence of Unity of Command as clearly as this one does.