Classical Management Theories Flashcards
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Classical Management Theories Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does the Machine Metaphor suggest about organizations?

  • Organizations should be flexible.
  • Organizations need to be creative.
  • Organizations run like machines. (correct)
  • Organizations should avoid standardization.
  • What is specialization in the context of management?

    Each piece has a specific task.

    What does standardization imply regarding work tasks?

    Each part can be easily replaced.

    Define predictability within organizational contexts.

    <p>Each product should turn out the same.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two main elements of managing an organization according to Henri Fayol's Theory?

    <p>Elements of Management and Principles of Management.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the elements of management with their definitions:

    <p>Planning = Look ahead to think of the best ways to achieve organizational goals Organizing = Arranging and evaluating employees Command = Managers set tasks Coordination = Everyone has to work together for the common goal Control = Compare the goal to what is actually going on</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the four sets of principles in Fayol's principles of management?

    <p>Organizational Structure, Organizational Power, Organizational Reward, Organizational Attitude.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'scalar chain' refer to in organizational structure?

    <p>There should be a hierarchy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the concept of 'unity of command'.

    <p>Each employee should only have one person to take orders from.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Fayol, a manager should have a limited number of people within direct command, with a suggestion of __ for first-level managers and __ for higher levels.

    <p>20-30, 6.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of centralization in management?

    <p>Most organizations will be at their most effective when central management makes the decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define discipline in the context of management.

    <p>Employees should follow both organization and management rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does equity refer to in terms of employee treatment?

    <p>Employees should be treated fairly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is 'subordination of individual interest to general interest'?

    <p>The interest of the greater good should take precedence over the interest of the individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Fayol, what should be recognized in employees?

    <p>Employees that put forth the effort to work in the best interest of the organization should be recognized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Fayol's Theory primarily focused on?

    <p>It is prescriptive (what should be done) and not descriptive (what actually happens).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was Max Weber, and what was his contribution to management?

    <p>A German contemporary of Fayol who introduced the Theory of Bureaucracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Classical Management Theories

    • Machine Metaphor: Organizations function analogously to machines, emphasizing specialization, standardization, and predictability for efficiency.

    Specialization

    • Each role within an organization has a specific task assigned, enhancing efficiency.

    Standardization

    • Tasks are uniform, allowing for easy replacement of personnel without variation in output.

    Predictability

    • Consistent production ensures uniformity in products and services.

    Henri Fayol's Management Theory

    • Developed by French industrialist Henri Fayol, focusing on the administration of organizations through management elements and principles.

    Fayol's Elements of Management

    • Planning: Strategic foresight to meet organizational goals.
    • Organizing: Systematic arrangement and evaluation of workforce.
    • Command: Delegating tasks to employees.
    • Coordination: Collective effort towards shared objectives.
    • Control: Monitoring progress against set goals to ensure alignment.

    Fayol's Principles of Management

    • Assess how management elements work together, categorized into four sets: structure, power, reward, and attitude.

    Organizational Structure Principles

    • Scalar Chain: Established hierarchy is essential.
    • Unity of Command: Each employee reports to one manager to avoid confusion.
    • Unity of Direction: Similar tasks are managed under one supervisor for coherence.
    • Division of Labor: Employees focus on specialized tasks.
    • Order: Defined roles and responsibilities ensure smooth operations.
    • Span of Control: Recommend 20-30 subordinates for first-level managers and 6 for higher levels.

    Organizational Power Principles

    • Centralization: Effective decision-making is centralized, although exceptions apply based on organization size and employee characteristics.
    • Authority and Responsibility: Managers should wield authority derived from their positional power and personal attributes.
    • Discipline: Employees are expected to adhere to organizational rules and policies.

    Organizational Reward Principles

    • Personnel are motivated by incentives, with fair rewards proportional to their contributions, including salary, treatment equity, and stability in employment.

    Reward Components

    • Remuneration of Personnel: Compensation must match the employee's contributions.
    • Equity: Fair treatment among all employees enhances morale.
    • Tenure Stability: Sufficient time in positions allows employees to reach full potential; however, long tenure may necessitate oversight to maintain productivity.

    Organizational Attitude Principles

    • Managers should cultivate a positive environment considering employee morale includes prioritizing collective interests, recognizing initiative, and promoting team spirit.

    Key Attitude Concepts

    • Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest: Collective objectives must take precedence over personal gains.
    • Initiative: Acknowledging and valuing employee contributions fosters motivation.
    • Esprit de Corps: A unified workforce striving for common goals is essential for success.

    Fayol's Theory Implications

    • Fayol's framework promotes prescriptive strategies for effective management communication rather than reflecting actual practices.

    Max Weber's Bureaucracy Theory

    • Contemporary to Fayol, Weber introduced concepts focused on bureaucratic structures and systems, shaping management thought in the U.S.

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    Description

    Explore key concepts from classical management theories with flashcards. This quiz covers essential ideas such as the machine metaphor, specialization, standardization, and predictability that are crucial for understanding organizational structure and efficiency.

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