According to Henri Fayol, initiative refers to:

the ability to act on one's own without direction from a superior. obedience, energy, application, and other outward marks of respect for a superior's authority. shared feelings of comradeship, enthusiasm, or devotion to a common cause among members of a group. the justice, impartiality, and fairness to which all organizational members are entitled. the methodical arrangement of positions to provide the organization with the greatest benefit and to provide employees with career opportunities.