Classical Management Theories Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the five fundamental elements of management proposed by Henri Fayol?

  • Command
  • Control
  • Planning
  • Motivation (correct)
  • Coordination
  • Organizing

According to Fayol's principles of organisational structure, the 'scalar chain' refers to the flow of communication through a hierarchy.

True (A)

What is the primary difference between 'unity of command' and 'unity of direction' in Fayol's principles of organisational structure?

Unity of command states that an employee should receive orders from only one supervisor, while unity of direction emphasizes that all activities with similar goals should be under the direction of a single supervisor.

Fayol's principle of _______ suggests that everyone in the organization should obey the rules and regulations.

<p>discipline</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following principles of organisational power with their descriptions:

<p>Centralisation = Concentrates decision-making authority at the top of the hierarchy Authority and Responsibility = Authority granted should be matched with equivalent responsibility Discipline = Adherence to rules and regulations within the organisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Fayol's principles of management, individual interests should take priority over the organization's goals.

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

Which of the following is NOT one of Weber's six facets of bureaucracy?

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

What is the main focus of Frederik Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management?

<p>The relationship between manager and employee and the control of the individual at work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Taylor believed that there is ______ way to do every job.

<p>one best</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following management theories with their primary focus:

<p>Fayol's Principles of Management = Organizational structure and efficiency Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy = Ideal type of bureaucratic organization Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management = Relationship between manager and worker and control of work</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a classical management principle still relevant today?

<p>Using time and motion studies to optimize the tasks in fast-food restaurants (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Classical management theories emphasize a free-flowing, informal style of communication.

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

What are the three types of authority identified by Weber?

<p>Traditional authority, charismatic authority, and rational-legal authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Weber argued that bureaucratic organizations would eventually dominate in society due to their ______ superiority.

<p>technical</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy?

<p>Strict reliance on rules and procedures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the "esprit de corps" principle in Fayol's theory?

<p>It emphasizes the importance of team spirit and cooperation within the organization, promoting harmony and minimizing conflict.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Classical management theories have become obsolete in modern-day organizations.

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

Taylor's theory of scientific management was developed in response to ______ and the systematic soldiering that resulted from rate busting.

<p>the uneven work that resulted from job training through custom</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of communication flow is considered most important in classical management theories?

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

Why is the content of communication typically task-oriented in classical management theories?

<p>Classical management focuses on efficiency and achieving organizational goals, so communication is primarily focused on tasks, responsibilities, and instructions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Machine Metaphor

A comparison of organizations to machines, emphasizing structure and function.

Specialisation

The division of tasks where individuals are responsible for specific functions in an organization.

Standardisation/Replaceability

The ability to replace individuals in a role as they are interchangeable when they possess the same skills.

Predictability

The consistent operation of an organization, similar to how machines work under specific conditions.

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Fayol’s Elements of Management

Five key functions proposed by Fayol: Planning, Organising, Command, Coordination, Control.

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Principles of Organisational Structure

Six guiding principles: Scalar chain, Unity of command, Unity of direction, Division of labour, Order, Span of control.

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Centralisation

A principle where decision-making authority is concentrated at the top management level.

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Equity

The fair treatment of employees in an organization, ensuring just behavior.

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Subordination of Individual Interest

The principle that individual goals should align with organizational goals.

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Initiative

Employees should direct their efforts towards the organization's best interests.

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Esprit de Corps

A sense of unity among staff, minimizing friction within ranks.

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Fayol's Principles of Management

Guidelines for structuring and managing an effective organization.

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Bureaucracy

An administrative system characterized by hierarchy and rules.

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Hierarchy in Bureaucracy

A clear chain of command in an organization.

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Division of Labour

Specialization of tasks among employees to increase efficiency.

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Closed Systems

Organizations that limit outside influence to maintain smooth function.

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Rational-Legal Authority

Authority based on established laws and procedures.

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Scientific Management Theory

Management approach focused on optimizing work processes and efficiency.

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Task-related Communication

Organizational communication focused on work tasks and goals.

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Vertical Communication Flow

Information flows up and down the organizational hierarchy.

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Written Communication Channel

Preferential use of written forms for communication in organizations.

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Classical Management Relevance

Classical management theories still apply in modern organizations.

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Cross-Functional Teams

Groups of employees from different functions working together.

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Study Notes

Classical Management Theories

  • Machine Metaphor: Organizations are viewed as machines with specialized parts working together. This is a core idea shared by Fayol, Weber, and Taylor.

Fayol's Classical Management Theory

  • Elements of Management:
    • Planning
    • Organizing
    • Command
    • Coordination
    • Control
  • Principles of Organizational Structure:
    • Scalar Chain: Communication flows through a hierarchy.
    • Unity of Command: Each employee reports to only one manager.
    • Unity of Direction: Similar goals are under one supervisor.
    • Division of Labor: Specialization of tasks.
    • Order: Resources and people are in the right place.
    • Span of Control: Number of subordinates a manager can effectively supervise.
  • Principles of Organizational Power:
    • Centralization: Decision-making concentrated at the top.
    • Authority and Responsibility: Equal and balanced.
    • Discipline: Obedience to rules.
  • Principles of Organizational Reward:
    • Remuneration: Fair pay and benefits.
    • Equity: Fair treatment of employees.
    • Tenure Stability: Security of employment.
  • Principles of Organizational Attitude:
    • Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest: Focus on organizational goals.
    • Initiative: Employees should take initiative.
    • Esprit de Corps: Unity and harmony within the organization.

Weber's Theory of Bureaucracy

  • Definition: A formal administrative system characterized by hierarchy, division of labor, centralization, and a reliance on rules.
  • Facets of Bureaucracy:
    • Hierarchy: Clear structure of authority.
    • Division of Labor: Specialization of tasks.
    • Centralization: Power concentrated at the top.
    • Closed Systems: Limited outside influence.
    • Importance of Rules: Rational, established rules guide actions.
    • Functioning of Authority: Based on traditional, charismatic, or rational-legal authority (emphasizing legal rules and procedures).

Taylor's Scientific Management Theory

  • Focus: Relationship between managers and workers, controlling individual work.
  • Problems Addressed: Uneven work & systematic soldiering (avoiding hard work).
  • Components of Scientific Management:
    • One Best Way: Determining the optimal method for each job.
    • Proper Selection of Workers: Matching workers to their best abilities.
    • Training Workers: Skill development aligned with the best method.
    • Difference Between Management & Workers: Managers focus on planning and workers on labor.

Communication in Classical Approaches

  • Content: Primarily task-related
  • Flow: Primarily vertical.
  • Channel: Often written.
  • Style: Formal & bureaucratic.

Classical Management Today

  • Relevance: Concepts of division of labor and hierarchy remain prevalent in many organizations.
  • Examples: Standardized processes (e.g., university enrollment), fast food restaurants, military, manufacturing, and service organizations.
  • Modern Adaptations: Cross-functional teams and technology-driven approaches also appear alongside traditional structures.

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Description

Test your knowledge on classical management theories and their key components, such as Fayol's elements of management, principles of organizational structure, and power. This quiz covers essential concepts that have shaped management practices. Challenge yourself to see how well you understand these foundational theories!

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