Classical Approach to Management

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for the rise of bureaucratic processes in modern organizations, according to the provided text?

  • The need for clear lines of authority and responsibility
  • The desire for greater efficiency and predictability in operations
  • The need for specialized skills and expertise in complex organizations
  • The increasing size and complexity of organizations (correct)

Which of the following individuals is NOT considered a contributor to the classical writings on bureaucracy?

  • Max Weber
  • Robert Michels
  • Karl Marx
  • Fredrick W. Taylor (correct)

What is the relationship between the size of an organization and its bureaucratic tendencies, as stated in the text?

  • The relationship depends on the specific industry or sector the organization operates in.
  • There is an indirect relationship, with larger organizations potentially showing less bureaucratic tendencies.
  • There is a direct relationship, with larger organizations exhibiting more bureaucratic traits. (correct)
  • There is no clear relationship, as bureaucratic tendencies can exist in both small and large organizations.

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of bureaucracy according to the text?

<p>Flexibility and adaptation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of bureaucracy, where does legitimized authority reside according to the text?

<p>In the specific position or office held (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of bureaucracy in a society or organization?

<p>To exercise imperative control over human beings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Max Weber define bureaucracy?

<p>An administrative system organized rationally, logically, impersonally, and according to official rules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of bureaucratic processes?

<p>To increase the efficiency and effectiveness of decision-making (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of bureaucracy according to the text?

<p>It can promote organizational flexibility and adaptability to changes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point emphasized in the description of bureaucratic organization?

<p>The emphasis on a standardized and impersonal approach in official transactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core principle behind the division of labor and specialization in bureaucracy?

<p>To create a system where everyone's skills are utilized efficiently. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest as one of the benefits of bureaucracy?

<p>It ensures fairness and professionalism by employing and promoting only qualified personnel. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase "impersonal and emotionally detached manner" refer to in the context of bureaucracy?

<p>The emphasis on a standardized and objective approach in official transactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does bureaucracy enhance precision, clarity, and order in official transactions?

<p>By emphasizing strict compliance with rules, procedures, and defined roles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of recording all official activities and transactions in writing?

<p>To establish a clear and traceable history for future reference. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea regarding the relationship between officials and their roles in a bureaucracy?

<p>Officials are subject to a hierarchical structure and are accountable to their superiors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of bureaucracy as described in the text?

<p>An increase in innovation and change within the organization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the self-perpetuation and empire-building aspects of bureaucracy?

<p>The security of office tenure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the impact of bureaucracy on the pace of work?

<p>It slows down the pace of work due to an overemphasis on routines and regulations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying attribute of bureaucracy that leads to 'trained incapacity' according to the text?

<p>The demand for predictability, reliability, and conformity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the depersonalization of relationships within a bureaucracy?

<p>A more efficient and objective decision-making process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason behind the need for bureaucracy in modern public administration, according to the text?

<p>The increasing complexity of modern society and the need for specialized services. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characteristics of bureaucracy is NOT explicitly mentioned as a reason for its need in the text?

<p>Impartiality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does technology influence the need for bureaucracy?

<p>It promotes the use of rational and precise systems, which are core to bureaucracy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of bureaucracy is NOT directly related to the need for efficient resource utilization as mentioned in the text?

<p>Security of office. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument for the need for bureaucracy in the context of environmental changes?

<p>To adapt to evolving needs and demands in a dynamic world. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of strategy in the development of bureaucratic structures?

<p>It fosters the development of procedures and systems to achieve organizational goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these characteristics of bureaucracy is NOT a direct consequence of its inherent principles?

<p>The job of an official is his/her primary and sole occupation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary reason for the emergence of bureaucracy as outlined in the text?

<p>A desire for impartial and equitable administration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Classical School of Management?

<p>Focus on individual creativity and innovation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples best illustrates the concept of early management practices as described in the text?

<p>The construction of the Great Wall of China (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of management in the Classical School of Thought?

<p>To ensure efficient and coordinated operation of the organization (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following figures is cited in the text as an early developer of economic, warfare, and administration principles influenced by management practices?

<p>Chanakya (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Classical School of Management considered to be focused on efficiency?

<p>It emphasizes structured communication and clearly defined roles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the relationship between management practices and technology?

<p>Management practices evolve in response to changes in technology and the business environment (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be considered a characteristic of the Classical Organization?

<p>A system of division of labor and specialized functions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Classical School of Management view an organization?

<p>As a collection of individuals whose efforts are coordinated through a hierarchy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the classical-mechanistic school of thought in relation to organizational structure?

<p>Highlighting the significance of a clear formal structure with defined job positions and relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the classical-mechanistic school view the role of rules and regulations in organizations?

<p>Rules and regulations are essential for establishing a clear and impersonal structure of relationships (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the central idea of the classical-mechanistic school regarding the distribution of authority?

<p>Authority is centralized at the top of the hierarchy with knowledge concentrated there (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the classical-mechanistic school, which of the following is NOT a key principle of management?

<p>Collaboration and teamwork (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes how the classical-mechanistic school views the relationship between job descriptions and job performance?

<p>Job descriptions should be detailed and specific, ensuring that individuals perform only the tasks outlined (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of the classical-mechanistic school's approach to management?

<p>Minimizing informality and establishing a defined hierarchy of power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the classical-mechanistic school view the role of the manager in the organization?

<p>Managers should be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations and ensuring compliance with procedures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the classical-mechanistic school, what is the primary objective of organizational structure?

<p>To ensure efficient and effective operations through a clear hierarchy and defined roles (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Mechanistic Model

An organization seen as performing routine functions within the same structural framework.

Fredrick W. Taylor

Introduced the concept of Scientific Management to improve efficiency in workplaces.

Henri Fayol

Known for articulating the 14 Principles of Management for organizational success.

Max Weber

German sociologist who systematically studied bureaucracy and defined its characteristics.

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Bureaucracy

An administrative system organized logically and impersonally, with structured rules.

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Characteristics of Bureaucracy

Key attributes include hierarchy, specialization, and a set of official rules.

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Advantages of Bureaucracy

Facilitates efficiency, predictability, and order in large organizations.

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Size and Bureaucracy

Larger organizations tend to have more bureaucratic processes due to complexity.

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Classical Organization Characteristics

Formal structure, division of labor, and hierarchy define a classical organization.

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Division of Labor

The process of splitting tasks among specialized workers to enhance efficiency.

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Hierarchical Structure

A system where organizations have levels of authority, often displayed vertically.

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Coordination of Efforts

The organization of individual efforts to achieve common goals through defined roles.

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Formal Authority

An established system where authority is clearly defined and communicated.

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Contributors of Classical School

Key figures who shaped classical management theories, emphasizing efficiency.

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Historical Management Examples

Ancient practices of organized management seen in empires like Rome and Egypt.

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Management Practices Evolution

The changing approaches to management techniques from classical to contemporary.

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Internal specifications

Defined rights, obligations, and methods for each role in an organization.

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Rational techniques

Objective and impartial application of rules and regulations within the organization.

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Centralized authority

Knowledge and decision-making concentrated at the top of an organizational hierarchy.

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Impersonal structure

Relationships within an organization governed by formal rules, minimizing personal ties.

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Classical mechanistic school

A view that emphasizes a formal organizational structure for effectiveness, with clear roles and hierarchy.

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Functional-process view

The belief that effective management requires specific activities such as organizing and supervising.

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Span of control

The number of subordinates a manager can efficiently manage.

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Principles of authority

Management principles that determine the extent of a manager's power and responsibilities.

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No Ownership Rights

Officials cannot claim ownership of any part of the organization due to administration.

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Unified Discipline

All officials are subject to a strict and unified system of discipline based on established rules.

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Obedience to Hierarchy

Obedience is due to the hierarchy and superior nature of the office, not personal influence.

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Written Records

All official activities and transactions must be recorded in writing for future reference.

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Impersonal Conduct

Official activities are conducted in an emotionally detached way, avoiding personal feelings.

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Elimination of Favoritism

Bureaucracy eliminates discrimination as duties follow laid down rules, promoting fairness.

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Inflexibility of Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy can discourage personal initiative and lacks adaptability due to strict rules.

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Pathological Change

Innovation viewed negatively as disruptive to stability in an organization.

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Departmental Goals

Objectives specific to departments that may overshadow the organization's overall aims.

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Excessive Bureaucracy

Increased administration costs due to too much paperwork and documentation.

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Trained Incapacity

Employees become rigidly conformant, losing the ability to innovate or adapt.

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Self-Perpetuation in Bureaucracy

Officials maintain power and stability, leading to stagnation and resistance to change.

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Departmentation

The process of dividing work into distinct departments for efficiency.

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Complexity in administration

The need for expert management due to diverse service requirements.

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Environmental changes

Dynamic shifts in society demand efficient administrative processes.

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Technological influence

Modern science necessitates bureaucratic procedures for efficiency.

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Organizational hierarchy

A clearly defined order of positions from top to bottom in bureaucracy.

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Defined sphere of authority

Officials have clear responsibilities and roles within an organization.

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Career structure

A clear path for promotions based on seniority and merit.

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Job security

Officials have guaranteed employment with no arbitrary dismissals.

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Study Notes

Classical Approach to Management

  • Origins of organized management date back to early human societies, focusing on activities like hunting and land possession.
  • Conflicts led to primitive weapon systems and power-based resolutions.
  • Ancient Indian epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata) show early management practices, including kings managing state affairs, resources, and people.
  • Chanakya's principles influenced later management approaches.
  • Examples of early management include the Roman Empire's expansion, Shivaji's governance, and large-scale projects like the Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China.
  • These demonstrate sophisticated planning, organizing, and directing using available technology and business environment.
  • The Classical school of thought emphasizes organizational structure and function, viewing organizations as collections of individuals with coordinated efforts.
  • Division of labor, specified roles, and hierarchical relationships are key for effective organizational operation.

Characteristics of Classical Organization

  • Formal hierarchical authority structure with vertical communication.
  • Specialized functions and clearly defined roles for functional specialists.
  • Precise specifications of roles, rights, duties, and methods.
  • Rational/impartial application of rules and regulations creates an impersonal organizational structure.
  • Centralized authority with superior guidelines for subordinates.
  • Clearly defined job roles and responsibilities, unchanged over time.

Contributors to the Classical School of Thought

  • Frederick Taylor (Scientific Management)
  • Henri Fayol (14 Principles of Management)
  • Max Weber (Bureaucracy)
  • Lyndall Urwick
  • Frank and Lillian Gilbreth
  • Harrington Emerson

Bureaucracy (Max Weber)

  • Max Weber's bureaucracy defines a rationally-organized administrative system.
  • Impersonal, logically structured hierarchy with specialized offices based on rules.
  • Legitimate authority rests in the office, not the person holding it.
  • Bureaucratic structure is beneficial for efficiency, but can also create inflexibility.

Advantages of Bureaucracy

  • Eliminates discrimination and favouritism due to established rules.
  • Promotes efficiency and productivity through formal specialization.
  • Enhances precision, clarity, and order in official transactions.
  • Ensures stability and continuity through defined roles and procedures.
  • Facilitates effective coordination through hierarchy and standardized procedures.

Disadvantages/Shortcomings of Bureaucracy

  • Discourages personal initiative due to strict conformity to rules.
  • Inflexible and resistant to changes due to rigid structure and standardized procedures.
  • Excessive paperwork and documentation can increase administrative costs.
  • Can breed anxiety, insecurity, and tension in employees by limiting personal expression.
  • May cause "trained incapacity" (inability to respond to new situations) among employees.
  • Can result in self-preservation and empire building in certain individuals.
  • Creates impersonal relationships.

Factors Contributing to Bureaucracy

  • Increasing size and complexity of organizations leads to need for formal structures.
  • Dynamic environments and technological advancements necessitate efficient processes.
  • Clearer need for consistency & uniformity regardless of staffing.
  • Strong emphasis in managing organizational objectives.

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