Classical Management Theories Quiz

Henri Fayol and Principles of Management

• Henri Fayol is a major contributor to management thought with his foundational 14 Principles of Management outlined in General and Industrial Management (1916).
• The principles provide essential guidelines for achieving effective management which has led to successful organizational practices.

Bureaucratic Management

• Bureaucratic management, pioneered by Max Weber, aims to create the ideal organizational structure.
• Weber identified inefficiencies in early organizations due to reliance on personal relationships rather than systematic processes.

Behavioural Approach

• The behavioural approach emerged as a response to the classical management theory, which prioritized efficiency and processes, often neglecting human behavior.
• Focus areas include:
  • Human Relations: Exploring the social systems within workplaces.
  • Behavioural Science: Understanding the psychological aspects that influence employee behavior.

Human Relations

• The Hawthorne Experiments (1924-1930s) revealed critical insights into workplace dynamics, with Elton Mayo as a key contributor.
• Key findings:
  • Workers' productivity is significantly influenced by their attitudes.
  • The workplace operates as a social system, where informal group dynamics affect individual actions.
  • Supervisory styles are linked to employee job satisfaction levels.

Behavioural Science

• Developed in the 1950s and 1960s, the behavioural science approach built on insights from the human relations movement.
• It aims to apply analytical tools to better understand and forecast workplace behavior, focusing on:
  • Personality
  • Attitudes
  • Values
  • Motivation
  • Group dynamics
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution

Quantitative Approach

• The quantitative approach enhances decision-making through mathematical and statistical methods, originating from scientific management principles.
• Key components include:
  • Management Science (Operations Research): Combines quantitative analysis to tackle management challenges, evolving significantly during World War II for military strategy.
  • Production and Operations Management: A practical extension of management science applied to industrial contexts post-war.

Test your knowledge on the classical management theories, including the Principles of Management by Henri Fayol and Bureaucratic Management by Max Weber. Learn about the foundational principles of successful management as outlined in these approaches.