In the rare instance when the principle had to be violated, it was clearly designated that there be an explicit separation of activities and a supervisor responsible for each. In the contemporary view, the unity of command principle is viewed as logical when organizations are simple. However, if situations warrant, the advantages of flexibility in structure that comes from violating the unity of command principle far outweigh the disadvantages. B. Authority and responsibility. Authority is defined as the rights inherent in a managerial position to give orders and expect them to be obeyed.
Responsibility is defined as an obligation to perform assigned activities.
In the classical view, authority was a major doctrine. It was viewed as the glue that held organizations together. Authority related to one's position within the organization. When authority was delegated, commensurate responsibility had to be allocated. Responsibility cannot be delegated.