What are the positive impact of subordination of individual interest to general interest?

• Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest Principle

The principle Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest states that the group or organizational objective should be given priority over the individual employee’s objectives. It emphasizes individual objectives should be given second priority and organizational objectives first.

This management principle aims to establish a cordial balance between individual interest and organizational interest. When this is done, it leads to a better relationship between employees & management, employee satisfaction increases, productivity goes up, and harmony is achieved in the organization.

It is obvious that every employee joins an organization to accomplish his/her certain goals & objectives. They are self-motivated to the attainment of their goals. The problem arises when employees’ objectives do not match with organizational objectives. It makes them demotivated and productivity reduced. But when employees’ objectives match with the organization everything works as it should.

Thus it is the prime duty of the manager is to reconcile individual objectives with organizational objectives. Thus this principle assumes that the organization is a group or social unit the group goals should be given priority over individuals.

It is fact that we also work more for someone when our interest fulfills along with theirs. In addition, the manager may also identify and group employees having similar objectives and assign them particular duties. This might further motivate them to give their best.

Hence, at the core of this principle, if a group or organizational objective is achieved individual employees’ objectives should also be achieved.

Advantages of this principle:

• Employee satisfaction may increase.
• Better relations between management and employees.
• Employee motivation and improvement of overall performance.
• Harmony may be achieved in the organization.
• Helps in the achievement of organizational goals.

Results of avoiding this principle:

• Employees may not give their best efforts.
• Conflicts may arise between management and employees.
• Employee turnover may increase since employees’ objectives are totally ignored.
• Difficulty in the attainment of goals.

One way to address the issue of conflict between organizational and individual objectives is to hire people whose goals closely align with those of the company. This will be effective to a certain extent but circumstances change over time and organizational strategies and objectives change with them. So it is incumbent upon the group and its members to be flexible. The role of management is to develop tactics that support company strategies and allow the members of the team to contribute successfully. The role of team members is to understand their role and follow the direction of management.

In any aspect of business – management’s role is to put employees into a position to be successful. In the context of organizational goals this can be viewed as modifying tactical plans so the strengths of the employee are brought to the fore and weaknesses are hidden or compensated for. Providing employees with an opportunity to succeed in the course of pursuing organizational objectives will build loyalty and instill a culture that support subordination of individual interests to organizational interests. When the team comes first and everyone does their part everybody wins.

Once subordination of individual interests to organizational interests becomes part of a company’s culture people will adapt more readily to changing circumstances. The challenge is ongoing but if managed well success will be realized.