Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

Which of the following management principles may be violated when food servers are also responsible for meeting and greeting guests and bussing their own tables?

1. Division of labor

2. Unity of command

3. Organizational hierarchy

4. Matching

The correct answer is: Division of labor

The principle of division of labor refers to the assignment of different tasks or responsibilities to individuals or groups within an organization to improve efficiency and productivity. When food servers are tasked with not only taking and serving orders but also meeting and greeting guests, as well as bussing their own tables, it blurs the lines of specialization. Each role in a restaurant typically has distinct responsibilities; for example, hosts greet guests, servers take orders and serve food, and bussers clear tables. By expecting servers to manage multiple roles, the restaurant may encounter challenges such as decreased service quality, as employees may be stretched too thin, leading to potential errors and delays. From a management perspective, violating the division of labor can negatively impact operational efficiency and the overall dining experience for guests. This principle underscores the importance of role clarity and specialization in roles to ensure smooth operations within the hospitality environment.