Management Concepts and Principles

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'science' according to the text?

A systematic body of knowledge pertaining to a specific field of study.

What do general principles and facts in science explain?

They explain a phenomenon.

What type of relationship do scientific principles establish?

Cause-and-effect relationship.

Name two things used to develop principles of science.

Observations and experiments. Signup and view all the answers

Name the three main approaches to the study of management as presented in the text?

Classical, Neo-Classical (or Behavioral), and Contemporary. Signup and view all the answers

What does management have that is similar to science, according to the text?

A systematic body of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'universal applicability' of scientific principles, according to the text?

They are applicable in all situations and at all times. Signup and view all the answers

Before the 1800s, what was management primarily like?

It was based on early practices and was pre-scientific. Signup and view all the answers

Between which years was the Classical management approach dominant?

1900-1930 Signup and view all the answers

Give one example, from the text, of a scientific principle that is universally applicable.

The Law of Gravitation. Signup and view all the answers

List two main categories of management theories included under the classical approach.

Scientific Management, Bureaucratic Theory, and Administrative Management. Signup and view all the answers

Name two key thinkers associated with the Scientific Management approach to management?

F.W. Taylor and Henry Gantt are two options. Signup and view all the answers

What principle of management suggests that work should be divided into small tasks performed by trained specialists?

Division of work Signup and view all the answers

What two types of authority might a manager use to get things done, according to Fayol?

Official and personal authority Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles, what must accompany authority?

Responsibility Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication if workers refuse to perform up to their full capacity?

Violation of obedience or lack of discipline. Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'unity of command' important in an organization?

To avoid conflicting orders and ensure order and stability. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the relationship between the authority and responsibility within Henri Fayol's principles?

They should be equal or have parity Signup and view all the answers

According to ‘Unity of command’ principle, how many superiors should an employee receive orders from?

Only one Signup and view all the answers

What are two main factors that contribute to good discipline according to Fayol’s principle?

Effective leadership and clear understanding of rules. Signup and view all the answers

Define centralization in the context of organizational decision-making.

Centralization is when decision-making authority is concentrated at the top levels of an organization. Signup and view all the answers

What does decentralization mean regarding organizational authority?

Decentralization means dispersing decision-making authority to the lower levels of the organization. Signup and view all the answers

According to Fayol, what should be the relationship between centralization and decentralization?

Fayol suggests that there should be a proper balance between centralization and decentralization. Signup and view all the answers

How does the scale of operations typically influence the degree of decentralization?

Larger organizations tend to favor decentralization, while smaller businesses are more likely to be centralized. Signup and view all the answers

What is the scalar chain principle in organizational management?

The scalar chain is the clear line of authority from the top to the bottom of an organization. Signup and view all the answers

What are two primary purposes of the scalar chain?

The scalar chain serves as a chain of command and as a chain of communication. Signup and view all the answers

In an emergency, what concept did Fayol introduce to circumvent the scalar chain?

Fayol introduced the concept of a 'Gang Plank' to bypass the scalar chain during emergencies Signup and view all the answers

In the provided example, if 'D' needs to communicate with 'G', what would be the typical path via the scalar chain without a 'gang plank'?

The communication path would be D-C-B-A-E-F-G. Signup and view all the answers

What word should a manager use instead of 'I' when speaking with subordinates?

'We' Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication does the text suggest is beneficial for promoting speed, harmony, and understanding?

Verbal communication Signup and view all the answers

Are Fayol's Principles considered immutable laws or flexible guidelines?

Flexible guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What does the neo-classical theory primarily focus on regarding the worker?

Human and social aspects Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the 'Father of the Neo-Classical Approach'?

George Elton Mayo Signup and view all the answers

According to the Hawthorne experiments, is money the only motivator for workers?

No Signup and view all the answers

Do workers act or react as individuals or as members of a group, according to the Hawthorne experiments?

Members of a group Signup and view all the answers

Does physical capacity or social norms play a larger role in determining how much work a worker does?

Social norms Signup and view all the answers

What two components are essential for a person with technical knowledge to become successful in their field?

The ability to utilize tools or materials and the practical application of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

Besides technical knowledge, what other key element is crucial for a manager's success, according to the text?

Personal skill. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is management considered a creative activity?

Managers combine and coordinate resources to create goods and services. Signup and view all the answers

How does continuous practice contribute to a manager's effectiveness?

It increases experience and proficiency. Signup and view all the answers

The text claims management is both a science and an art. How is management a science?

It has an organized body of knowledge with universal facts. Signup and view all the answers

How is management considered an art, according to the text?

It involves creating results through practical application of knowledge and skills. Signup and view all the answers

The text implies that art and science are not mutually exclusive. Why is this the case?

They are complementary to each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why is management not an 'exact science' like physics or chemistry?

It is considered a soft science or social science. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nature of Management

Management is a combination of science and art
Science involves a systematized body of knowledge
Art involves practical knowledge and practical skills
Management is also considered a profession

Concept and Thoughts of Management

Classical approach emphasizes on worker efficiency and control
- Scientific management (Taylor) focuses on optimizing tasks and efficiency
- Bureaucratic theory (Weber) focuses on strict rules and procedures
- Administrative theory (Fayol) focuses on managerial principles across organizations
Neo-classical approach emphasizes human and social aspects
- Hawthorne experiments showed social factors influence worker performance

Principles of Management

Fayol's 14 principles of management
- Division of work: employees specialize in tasks
- Authority and responsibility: managers have right to give orders
- Discipline: employees must follow rules
- Unity of command: each employee reports to only one superior
- Unity of direction: single plan for common goal
- Subordination of individual interest: organizational goals prioritized
- Remuneration: fair wages for employees
- Centralization & decentralization: concentration/distribution of authority
- Scalar chain: clear line of authority from top to bottom (with "gang plank" exception)
- Order: every item & employee has proper place
- Equity: just and kind treatment of employees
- Stability of tenure of personnel: minimize employee turnover
- Initiative: encouraged employee creativity and self-reliance
- Esprit de corps: promote team spirit and harmony among employees

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Description

This quiz explores the nature of management, including its scientific and artistic aspects, along with essential management principles. It covers classical and neo-classical approaches to management, highlighting key theories and methodologies. Test your understanding of fundamental management ideas and their applications.