Classical Management Theories

Questions and Answers

What major theories are associated with classical management?

Fayol's Theory of Classical Management (correct)

Weber's Theory of Modern Management

Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy (correct)

Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management (correct)

What does the machine metaphor of organizing imply?

An organization is like a pizza, requiring people, communication, and goals.

What does specialization of tasks refer to?

Division of labor.

What is standardization in a management context?

A related notion of replaceability. Signup and view all the answers

Predictable systems in organizations have no rules governing them.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the father of modern operational-management theory?

Fayol. Signup and view all the answers

What are the elements of management according to Fayol?

Planning, organizing, command, coordination, control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of planning in management?

To determine the best way to attain organizational goals. Signup and view all the answers

What does organizing in management refer to?

The arrangement of human resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of command in management?

Managers set tasks for employees to meet organizational goals. Signup and view all the answers

What does coordination entail in an organization?

Harmonizing separate activities into a single whole. Signup and view all the answers

What does control in management compare?

Comparison between goals and activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are principles of organizational structure?

Span of control Signup and view all the answers

What does scalar chain refer to in an organization?

A strict vertical hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

What is unity of command?

An employee should receive orders from only one supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What does unity of direction state?

Activities having similar goals should be placed under a single supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of the division of labor?

Work can be best accomplished with specialized tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What does order refer to in management?

An appointed place for each employee and task. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effective span of control for managers?

20-30 employees for first-level managers and 6 employees for higher level managers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Fayol's bridge?

Horizontal communication across the hierarchy. Signup and view all the answers

Which principles are part of organizational power?

Centralization Signup and view all the answers

What does centralization in management refer to?

Central management controls decision-making and employee activities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between authority and responsibility?

Authority must be accompanied by responsibility in equal measure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of discipline in an organization?

All members should obey the rules and managers who enforce them. Signup and view all the answers

What are the principles of organizational reward?

Remuneration of personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by remuneration of personnel?

Employees should be rewarded with appropriate salaries and benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What does equity in remuneration refer to?

Employees should be treated justly in their pay. Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of tenure stability?

Guarantee sufficient time in the job for employees to achieve maximum performance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Classical Management Theories

Emerged during the Industrial Revolution, focusing on efficient production and organization.
Three main theories:
- Henri Fayol's Classical Management Theory
- Max Weber's Bureaucracy Theory
- Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management Theory
Common belief in treating organizations like machines, emphasizing efficiency and structure.

Machine Metaphor of Organizing

An organization foundationally resembles a pizza:
- People represented as flour.
- Communication serves as water, binding the ingredients.
- Goals act as yeast, causing growth.

Specialization and Standardization

Specialization of tasks follows the principle of division of labor, enhancing efficiency.
Standardization ensures replaceability, allowing for smooth transitions within the workforce.

Predictability in Management

Organizations operate under specific rules and standards, akin to machines.
Dysfunctionality in an organization can be addressed rationally by reassessing applied rules.

Henri Fayol's Contributions

Recognized as the Father of modern operational-management theory.
Developed a framework focusing on two aspects:
- Elements of management encompassing planning, organizing, command, coordination, and control.
- Principles of organizational structure that guide effective management practices.

Elements of Management

Planning: Strategies for achieving organizational goals.
Organizing: Structuring human resources effectively.
Command: Directing employees toward goal achievement.
Coordination: Integrating separate activities to function cohesively.
Control: Monitoring performance against goals to ensure efficiency.

Principles of Organizational Structure

Scalar Chain: Establishes a strict hierarchy for communication.
Unity of Command: Employees receive orders from a single superior to avoid confusion.
Unity of Direction: Grouping related activities under the same supervision.
Division of Labor: Efficiency achieved through specialization.
Order: Each task and employee has a designated place.
Span of Control: Managers effectively oversee limited numbers of employees (20-30 for first-level, 6 for higher levels).

Fayol's Bridge

Introduced the concept of horizontal communication, termed "gangplank," within the same hierarchy level to enhance organizational function, needing management authorization.

Principles of Organizational Power

Centralization: Effective organizations centralize decision-making authority.
Authority/Responsibility: Managers derive authority from their position and personal traits; responsibility should match authority.
Discipline: All members are expected to follow organizational rules and managerial directives.

Principles of Organizational Reward

Remuneration: Employees should be compensated fairly for their contributions.
Equity: Fair treatment in remuneration fosters a just workplace.
Tenure Stability: Ensuring sufficient time for employees in their roles enhances performance, though excessive stability can lead to counterproductive outcomes.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts of Classical Management theories, including the contributions of Henri Fayol, Max Weber, and Frederick Taylor. This quiz delves into how industrialization transformed organizational structures and the core principles behind effective management. Test your knowledge on these foundational theories in management.