Management Approaches - Classical Science

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Questions and Answers

What is management?

Acts of controlling, leading, monitoring and organizing employees in order to achieve specific outcomes, goals and objectives.

What is the classical scientific approach focused on?

How best to organize workers and production methods on the factory floor.

Which of the following are characteristics of the classical scientific approach? (Select all that apply)

Improve efficiency (correct)

Tight control by supervisors (correct)

Flexible job tasks

Division of labor into function-related units (correct)

What does the classical bureaucratic approach detail?

How a business should be organized or structured. Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of the Classical Bureaucratic Approach? (Select all that apply)

Strict hierarchical organizational structure Signup and view all the answers

Which features are common to both the classical scientific and bureaucratic approaches? (Select all that apply)

Time and motion studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the classical approach to management considered as?

Planning, organizing and controlling. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 1st type of planning and its timeframe?

Strategic (long-term) planning, typically three to five years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 2nd type of planning?

Tactical (medium-term) planning. Signup and view all the answers

What does operational (short-term) planning involve?

Specific details of operation for the short term, including daily and weekly production schedules. Signup and view all the answers

How does management implement goals during the organizing phase?

By determining work activities, classifying and grouping activities, and assigning work. Signup and view all the answers

What is controlling in management?

Evaluating performance of employees and ensuring objectives are achieved. Signup and view all the answers

What is the autocratic leadership style?

A leadership style where the person in charge has absolute control and authority over decision making. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are characteristics of the autocratic leadership style? (Select all that apply)

Leader makes all decisions Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of the autocratic leadership style? (Select all that apply)

Clear procedures and directions Signup and view all the answers

What are some disadvantages of the autocratic leadership style? (Select all that apply)

Leads to feelings of undervaluation among employees Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Management Overview

Management involves controlling, leading, monitoring, and organizing employees to achieve specific goals and objectives.

Classical Scientific Approach

Emphasizes optimizing worker organization and production methods, particularly on the factory floor.
Aims to enhance efficiency by systemizing job processes and reducing tasks to a minimum standard.
Advocates for a division of labor into specialized tasks; each task is assigned to workers with function-related units to maximize productivity.
Involves stringent control by supervisors to ensure compliance with instructions through rigid rules and hierarchy.

Classical Bureaucratic Approach

Focuses on the organization and structuring of businesses.
Features a strict hierarchical structure with clear communication lines and responsibilities.
Jobs are simplified and specialized, governed by established rules and procedures to promote impartial evaluation of performance.

Key Features of Both Approaches

Utilization of time and motion studies to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
Adoption of production line methods to streamline operations.
Establishment of a hierarchical structure with distinct authority levels, reinforcing discipline within leadership.
Characterized by an autocratic leadership style that favors centralized control and adherence to rules and procedures.

Planning Types

Strategic Planning: Long-term focus (3-5 years) identifying goals and desired outcomes, e.g., Coles targeting a 10% output increase.
Tactical Planning: Medium-term approach (1-2 years) that remains adaptable while guiding the implementation of strategic plans, focusing on areas like technology and employee wellbeing.
Operational Planning: Short-term planning that details daily and weekly operations, including specific actions for achieving immediate goals, like daily technology implementation and employee rewards.

Organizing

Management translates planned goals into actionable steps through:
- Determining work activities and necessary tasks.
- Classifying and grouping these activities for efficiency.
- Assigning tasks and delegating authority appropriately.

Controlling

Involves evaluating employee performance against set objectives to ensure goals are met.
Managers compare intended outcomes with actual results to assess effectiveness.

Autocratic Leadership Style

Defined by centralization of authority where the leader makes all decisions.
Closely supervises work, motivates employees through reward and punishment, and provides minimal knowledge transfer to lower-level employees.

Characteristics of Autocratic Leadership

Decisions made solely by the leader, with little to no input from employees.
Close supervision of tasks and motivation driven by negative reinforcement.
Clear directives issued without employee feedback or consultation.

Advantages of Autocratic Management

Clearly defined roles and procedures reduce uncertainties for employees.
A structured environment ensures stability, aligning outcomes with management objectives.
Centralized control allows for quick problem resolution without the need for discussion.

Disadvantages of Autocratic Management

Employee input is discouraged, stifling creativity and idea sharing.
Limited opportunity for skill development leads to diminished employee value and morale.
Lack of motivation may arise from ignoring individual contributions and aspirations.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the classical scientific approach to management. Learn about the key definitions and characteristics that define this methodology, including the importance of efficiency in organizing workers and production. Perfect for students looking to understand core management principles.