Fayol's Theory of Classical Management Quiz

19 Questions

In classical management, how is the style of communication typically described?

Formal

According to the classical approach, what is the primary direction of communication flow?

Vertical, usually down

Which type of communication is most likely favored in the classical approach?

Written ('codified')

Which management theorist's ideas are reflected in the concept that 'there is one best way to achieve a task'?

Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management

What type of division of labor does the classical approach advocate between management and workers?

'Strict division of labor'

According to Fayol's principles of management, what is emphasized through the concept of 'division of work'?

Efficiency and specialization

How do classical management approaches typically handle feedback from employees?

Not much feedback is encouraged

'Orders, rules, directions' in the classical approach primarily represent...

'Content: task-related'

'Vertical, usually down' flow of communication indicates...

'Direction of communication flow' in the classical approach

In the context of organizational communication, what is the primary difference between human relations theories and a mechanistic view?

The emphasis on social interactions and relationships

How does Maslow's hierarchy of needs relate to the human relations approach in organizations?

It stresses the significance of affiliations through social interaction

How does McGregor's Theory X differ from Theory Y in terms of employee management?

Theory X believes employees lack ambition, while Theory Y trusts in their potential

How does horizontal communication differ between classical and human relations approaches?

Classical approaches discourage horizontal communication, while human relations approaches strongly encourage it

What does the metaphor of 'family' primarily signify in the context of human relations theories?

The centrality of relationships in understanding organizational functioning

Which type of communication flow is given more emphasis in organizations influenced by human relations approaches?

Horizontal and vertical communication equally

What distinguishes high social presence channels in the context of human relations approaches to communication?

'High social presence' channels promote strong social interactions and satisfy human needs

How do human relations approaches view employees in organizations based on Maslow's theory?

As individuals with a need for attention and higher-order needs satisfaction

What is the significance of horizontal communication in organizations deeply influenced by human relations theories?

It is strongly encouraged for successful goal accomplishment alongside vertical communication.

What distinguishes the communication direction in an organization following McGregor's Theory Y compared to classical approaches?

Theory Y promotes open and interactive communication, whereas classical approaches focus solely on top-down directives.

Study Notes

Predictability and Management

Spare parts and workers can be managed more effectively with predictability, making it easier to deal with problems.
FAYOL'S THEORY OF CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT involves five elements: planning, organizing, command, coordination, and control.

FAYOL'S THEORY OF CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT (FIVE ELEMENTS OF MANAGEMENT)

Planning: determining the best way to achieve goals in the future
Organizing: arranging and evaluating employees
Command: setting out tasks for employees to meet goals
Coordination: pulling together separate activities to achieve organizational goals
Control: ensuring goals and activities match up

FAYOL'S THEORY OF CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT (PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT)

Organizational structure: scalar chain, unity of command, unity of direction, division of labor, order, and span of control
Organizational power: centralization, authority and responsibility, and discipline
Organizational reward: remuneration of personnel, equity, and tenure stability
Organizational attitude: subordination of individual interest, initiative, and esprit de corps

WEBER'S THEORY OF BUREAUCRACY

Features of an idealized organization: clearly defined hierarchy, division of labor, centralization of decision-making/power, closed system, importance of rules, and functioning of authority

WEBER'S THEORY OF BUREAUCRACY (TYPES OF AUTHORITY)

Traditional (or legitimate): power is based on long-standing authority
Charismatic authority: power is based on individuals
Rational-legal authority: power rests on expertise

TAYLOR'S THEORY OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Focuses on micro aspects of the workplace
Principles of scientific management: one best way to do a job, proper selection of workers

EARLIER APPROACHES

Classical approaches: emphasis on organizational effectiveness and productivity
Human relations approaches: fulfilling higher-order needs for challenge and self-actualization
Human resources approaches: maximizing both productivity and satisfaction of individual needs

COMMUNICATION

Innovation element is critical: input/interaction about new ideas is needed from employees
Communication about new ideas can maximize both organizational effectiveness and individual goal achievement

COMMUNICATION - DIRECTION OF FLOW

Goal: to encourage the flow of ideas from all locations throughout the organization
Reconfiguring the organizational chart to optimize the flow of new ideas

COMMUNICATION - CHANNEL

Using a wide range of channels to make optimal use of human resources
Managers try to match channel to task
Tasks with high/low level of uncertainty require 'rich'/'lean' communication channels

COMMUNICATION - STYLE

Fulfilling human needs: informal style
Enhancing organizational effectiveness: informal style also more in keeping with multidirectional team-based communication

Test your knowledge on Fayol's five elements of classical management: planning, organizing, command, coordination, and control. Learn about how these elements help in achieving organizational goals and dealing with problems effectively.

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