Classical Approach to Management

Questions and Answers

What does the classical approach to management emphasize?

The informal relationships among employees

The importance of team dynamics

Employee satisfaction and motivation

The manager's role in a formal hierarchy of authority (correct)

Name a major theory under the classical approach to management.

Scientific Management Theory

Scientific Management Theory focuses on employee motivation and satisfaction.

False

The classical approach to management analyzes __________, machines, and systems needed to accomplish the task efficiently.

tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is management theory?

A management theory is a systematic statement, based on observations, of how management process might best occur, given stated underlying principles. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach focuses on the efficient organization of labor in a formal hierarchy?

Classical Approach Signup and view all the answers

Scientific Management Theory focuses on the macro level of organization efficiency.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is known as a key contributor to Scientific Management Theory?

F.W. Taylor Signup and view all the answers

_____ is a principle that emphasizes the need for a clear line of authority in an organization.

Bureaucratic Management Signup and view all the answers

Match the following contributors with their management theories:

F.W. Taylor = Scientific Management Theory Henri Fayol = Administrative Management Theory Max Weber = Bureaucratic Management Theory Elton Mayo = Human Relations Movement Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason for labor inefficiency identified by Scientific Management Theory?

Soldiering Signup and view all the answers

What did Fayol contribute to management?

Fayol devised the functional definition of management and established 14 principles of management. Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes fair treatment of employees?

Equity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Approach to Management

Emphasizes the manager's role within a formal hierarchy of authority.
Focuses on tasks, machines, and systems necessary for efficient task accomplishment.
Major theories under classical approach include:
- Scientific Management Theory
- Administrative Management Theory
- Bureaucratic Theory

Scientific Management Theory

Aims to enhance operational efficiency through systematic and scientific analysis of work methods.
Advocates for the identification of the most effective standardized method for tasks.
Employees can be trained scientifically to achieve optimal performance.
Concentrates on task efficiency at a micro level, scrutinizing organizational tasks to ensure improved performance.

Evolution of Management Thought

Management theory is a systematic statement on how management processes should occur, based on observations of underlying principles.
Various management theories exist, with no single universally accepted model.
Management principles are fundamental truths guiding decision-making, derived from observations and experimental analysis.

Key Contributors to Management Thought

Classical Approach (1800 – 1900s)

Emphasizes the role of managers within a defined hierarchy, focusing on tasks and efficiency.
Key theories include:
- Scientific Management Theory: Concentrates on operational efficiencies through scientific study of work methods.
  - Major contributors: F.W. Taylor, Frank Gilbreth, Lillian Gilbreth, Henry Gantt.
  - Addresses labor inefficiencies like soldiering, rule of thumb practices, and neglect of working conditions.
  - Assumes economic rationality of workers and the existence of a "one best method" of work.
- Administrative Management Theory: Focuses on overall organizational productivity (macro-level) rather than individual tasks (micro-level).
  - Henri Fayol is a key contributor, defining five functions of management: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling.
  - Fayol’s 14 Principles of Management include division of labor, authority, unity of command, unity of direction, and esprit de corps.
- Bureaucratic Management Theory: Emphasizes a defined hierarchy and strict adherence to rules, promoting systematic management of large groups.
  - Max Weber is a principal figure; bureaucracy structured to minimize chaos but can hinder creativity and create frustration.

Characteristics of the Classical Approach

Scientific Management: Focused on improving task efficiency systematically.
Administrative Management: Encompasses planning, organizing, and control at the organizational level.
Bureaucratic Management: Involves a clear hierarchy, defined authority, and adherence to rules, though modern applications are limited due to negative perceptions.

Principles of Management

Principles are dynamic, limited in application, and highlight the relativity of human behavior.
Emphasize flexibility and universality for effective management practices across varying contexts.

Description

Explore the Classical Approach to Management, which emphasizes the role of managers within a formal hierarchy and focuses on efficiency in tasks and systems. This quiz discusses key theories including Scientific Management, Administrative Management, and Bureaucratic Theory. Test your knowledge on these foundational managerial concepts.