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.

<p>Observations and experiments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>A systematic body of knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They are applicable in all situations and at all times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Before the 1800s, what was management primarily like?

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

Between which years was the Classical management approach dominant?

<p>1900-1930</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The Law of Gravitation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Scientific Management, Bureaucratic Theory, and Administrative Management.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>F.W. Taylor and Henry Gantt are two options.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Division of work</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Official and personal authority</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles, what must accompany authority?

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

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

<p>Violation of obedience or lack of discipline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To avoid conflicting orders and ensure order and stability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They should be equal or have parity</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Effective leadership and clear understanding of rules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define centralization in the context of organizational decision-making.

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

What does decentralization mean regarding organizational authority?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the scalar chain principle in organizational management?

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

What are two primary purposes of the scalar chain?

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

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

<p>Fayol introduced the concept of a 'Gang Plank' to bypass the scalar chain during emergencies</p> 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'?

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

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

<p>'We'</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Verbal communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Flexible guidelines</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Human and social aspects</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>George Elton Mayo</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>No</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Members of a group</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Social norms</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>Personal skill.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way is management considered a creative activity?

<p>Managers combine and coordinate resources to create goods and services.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It increases experience and proficiency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

<p>They are complementary to each other.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is considered a soft science or social science.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Practical Application in Management

The ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations.

Personal Management Style

Unique approaches and styles that managers use to solve problems.

Creativity in Management

The act of combining resources and processes to create goods or services.

Improvement Through Practice in Management

Improving through continuous learning and experience in managing.

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Science of Management

A structured body of knowledge based on universal facts and principles.

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Art of Management

The application of knowledge and skills to achieve desired outcomes.

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Relationship Between Science and Art in Management

The combination of science and art in management.

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Management as a Soft Science

Management is a soft science that deals with human behavior in organizations.

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Science

A systematic body of knowledge based on general principles and facts used to explain a specific field, like management.

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Management as a Science

A collection of principles and techniques that can be applied in different organizations to explain events and guide managers.

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Universal Applicability (Management)

Principles that are true regardless of the situation or time and can be applied across different organizations.

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Unity of Command

The principle that an employee should report to only one supervisor to avoid confusion and conflicting instructions.

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Scientific Enquiry and Experiments (Management)

Scientific methods like observation and experimentation are used to develop and test principles of management.

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Scientific Investigation

A process of systematically gathering information and analyzing it to understand a phenomenon or problem.

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Scientific Reasoning

A logical and reasoned approach to understanding and explaining a concept.

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Cause-and-Effect Relationship

The ability to find a cause-and-effect relationship between different factors affecting a situation.

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Scientific Management

Focuses on improving efficiency and productivity by analyzing and optimizing tasks. It emphasizes standardization, specialization, and scientific methods.

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Administrative Management

Focuses on the management of the entire organization and its structure, emphasizing principles like planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling.

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Bureaucratic Theory

Emphasizes hierarchy, rules, and procedures to ensure order and predictability within organizations. It focuses on clear lines of authority and responsibility.

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Neoclassical Approach

Focuses on the human element of work and recognizes the importance of individual needs and motivations. It emphasizes factors like employee morale, communication, and leadership.

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Classical Approach

The classical approach is a traditional way of thinking about management that focuses on efficiency and structure.

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Division of Work

Dividing work into specialized tasks to increase efficiency and productivity.

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Authority and Responsibility

The right to give orders and expect obedience. It must be balanced with responsibility.

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Discipline

Employees must follow the rules and regulations of the company to ensure order and stability.

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Unity of Direction

Everyone in the organization must work towards the same goals to achieve success.

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Subordination of Individual Interest

Individual interests must be subordinate to the overall interests of the company.

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Remuneration

Fair treatment and rewards for employees based on their contributions and performance.

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Scalar Chain

Clear communication lines and channels within the organization to ensure effective collaboration.

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Centralization

The concentration of decision-making power at the highest level of an organization. Top management makes all key decisions.

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Decentralization

Distributing decision-making authority to lower levels of an organization, empowering employees.

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Gang Plank

A direct communication link between employees at the same level, bypassing the chain of command when necessary.

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Decentralization in Large vs. Small Businesses

When a small business makes all decisions at the top, while a large organization like Tata or Reliance might use decentralization for some decisions.

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Centralized Decisions - Objectives, Policies, Expansion

Decisions related to the overall direction, strategic goals, and major expansion of the business are typically made by top management.

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Decentralized Decisions - Material Purchase, Leave

Decisions about everyday operations are often delegated to middle and lower management, like purchasing material, employee leave.

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Balance Between Centralization and Decentralization

Fayol's principle of finding the right balance between centralization and decentralization, depending on the organization's needs and size.

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Employees as Socio-Psychological Beings

The understanding that employees are not just motivated by money, but are complex individuals who are influenced by psychological and social factors, especially in the workplace, so work environment and interpersonal relationships matter.

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Group Dynamics in Work

The idea that workers are not isolated individuals, but are part of groups, and their behavior and performance are influenced by the group's norms and expectations.

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Informal Leadership in Work Groups

The recognition that informal leaders emerge within groups in the workplace, setting and enforcing group norms and influencing behavior.

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Social Norms Affect Work Output

The principle that the amount of work done by an employee is not solely determined by their physical capabilities, but is also influenced by social norms and group expectations.

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Neo-Classical Management Approach

The managerial approach that emphasizes the human and social aspects of the workplace, focusing on employee well-being, relationships, and motivation to improve productivity and organizational efficiency.

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Hawthorne Experiments

The famous research conducted in the 1920s and 1930s that highlighted the importance of social and psychological factors in worker productivity, like leadership effectiveness, interpersonal relationships, and work environment.

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Verbal Communication for Management

The principle that managers should use verbal communication, like face-to-face meetings, whenever possible, as it promotes faster and more effective communication, leading to greater understanding and harmony in the workplace.

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Flexible Management Principles

The idea that while there are established principles of management, they should be seen as flexible guidelines rather than strict rules, and should be applied with care and understanding of the specific situation.

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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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