Management Theories: Early and Classical Perspectives

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Questions and Answers

What is not one of the main elements of Scientific Management?

Functional or specialised supervision

Standardisation of work methods

Time Studies

Development of marketing strategies (correct)

Which principle emphasizes cooperation between management and employees in Scientific Management?

Management by exception

Scientific selection of the workman

Intimate and friendly cooperation (correct)

Scientific education and development of the workman

Which of the following is used in Scientific Management for classifying products and implements?

Statistical analysis

Mnemonic systems (correct)

Forecasting models

Lean management techniques

What does Taylor's Scientific Management advocate regarding the selection of workers?

Scientific selection of the workman Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using instruction cards for workmen in Scientific Management?

To provide detailed guidance on tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents one of Taylor's four principles of management?

Development of a true science Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'differential rate' in Taylor's Scientific Management refer to?

A bonus system based on performance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a time-saving device mentioned in the context of Scientific Management?

Slide-rules Signup and view all the answers

What was the major characteristic of the Classical Management Theory phase?

Emphasis on bureaucratic organization Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with the concept of scientific management?

F.W. Taylor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the six phases of management principles?

Transactional Management Signup and view all the answers

How did the Classical Management Theory affect large-scale production?

Through principles governing division of labor and specialization Signup and view all the answers

What was one notable achievement during the Early Perspectives phase of management?

Construction of the Egyptian pyramids Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of standardisation in business processes?

To establish benchmarks for production processes. Signup and view all the answers

Max Weber is known for his contributions to which aspect of management?

Elimination of managerial inconsistencies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an objective of standardisation?

To eliminate the need for quality control. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common goal within the Classical Management theory regarding job design?

Striving for the most efficient organization of jobs and people Signup and view all the answers

How does simplification differ from standardisation?

Simplification aims to eliminate unnecessary diversity. Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of management principles emphasized the relationship between man and machine?

Classical Management Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is one method used to achieve standardisation?

Process charts. Signup and view all the answers

What does establishing interchangeability of manufactured parts signify?

Parts can be used interchangeably to reduce production costs. Signup and view all the answers

According to Taylor, what should be primarily used to analyze production methods?

Scientific methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a technique used in method studies?

Process charts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the objective of maximising customer satisfaction imply in standardisation?

Providing a consistent quality and value. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant focus of the Neo Classical Theory developed between the 1920s and 1950s?

Employee's social needs and attitudes Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist is NOT associated with the Behavioural Science Approach?

Frederick Taylor Signup and view all the answers

What philosophy underlies Organizational Humanism within the Behavioural Science Approach?

Individuals should utilize their full capacities and creative skills. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Management Science/Operational Research approach mainly emphasize?

Research on operations and use of quantitative techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Modern Management?

It emphasizes complex systems and contingency approaches. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key insights derived from the Hawthorne Studies?

Social relations impact worker productivity. Signup and view all the answers

How do principles of management differ from principles of pure science?

Management principles are less rigid and more adaptable. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the human factor focus of Neo Classical Theory?

Understanding employees' emotional and social needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of motion study?

To eliminate unnecessary movements Signup and view all the answers

Which productivity improvement example is cited in the content?

Reducing brick layering motions from 18 to 5 Signup and view all the answers

What does the method study aim to find?

One best way of doing the job Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following motions is categorized as incidental?

Going to the stores Signup and view all the answers

Who is mentioned as a pioneer in the application of method study?

Frank Gilbreth Signup and view all the answers

What did Taylor utilize to track and analyze body motions?

Stopwatches and symbols Signup and view all the answers

Which company is not mentioned as successfully implementing standardization?

Apple Inc. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of implementing method study, as observed?

Increased productivity up to four times Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Perspectives on Management

The first known management ideas come from 3000-4000 B.C.
The construction efforts of the Great Pyramid of Giza, built in around 2,900 B.C. by Egyptian ruler Cheops, required 100,000 workers for over 20 years.
The pyramid covered 13 acres and measured 481 meters tall.
The construction required the movement of stones thousands of kilometers, illustrating the need for management principles.

Classical Management Theory

Characterized by a rational economic view, scientific management, administrative principles, and bureaucratic organization.
The classical management theory emerged during the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the factory system of production.
This theory emphasized efficiency in large-scale production through division of labor, specialization, and managing machine-human relationships.
Key theorists:
- Frederick Winslow Taylor (Scientific Management): Believed in a "one best way" to optimize production.
- Henri Fayol (Administrative Principles): Focused on efficient organizational structures and the best way to combine jobs and people.
- Max Weber (Bureaucratic Organization): Emphasized eliminating managerial inconsistencies due to abuse of power, aiming for greater effectiveness.

Neo Classical Theory - Human Relations Approach

Developed from the 1920s to the 1950s, recognizing that workers are also motivated by social needs, drives, and attitudes, not just economic incentives.
This school of thought emerged due to the realization of the importance of human factors beyond just techniques and technology.
The Hawthorne studies conducted at the Western Electric Company (GEC) are important examples of early research on human motivation in the workplace.

Behavioral Science Approach - Organizational Humanism

Began in the 1950s and 1960s.
Utilized knowledge from psychology, sociology, and anthropology to understand human behavior in organizations.
Key theorists:
- Chris Argyris: Emphasized the importance of individual needs and development.
- Douglas McGregor: Focused on the role of management in motivating and engaging employees (Theory X and Theory Y).
- Abraham Maslow: Developed the hierarchy of needs, emphasizing the importance of meeting human needs, including self-actualization, at work.
- Frederick Herzberg: Defined factors influencing motivation and work satisfaction (hygiene factors and motivators).

Management Science / Operational Research

Focuses on using quantitative techniques and research to aid managers in decision making.
This approach utilizes mathematical models and statistics to analyze organizational problems and optimize solutions.

Modern Management

Views organizations as complex systems.
Emphasizes the contingency approach, adapting management methods to the specific context and challenges of each situation.
Integrates modern techniques to address organizational and human problems.

Scientific Management (F.W. Taylor)

Taylor believed in a scientific approach to optimize production, identifying the "one best way."
Key elements of Scientific Management:
- Time Studies: Measuring and standardizing task completion times.
- Functional or Specialized Supervision: Dividing management responsibilities into specialized areas.
- Standardisation of Tools and Implements: Establishing uniform tools and materials.
- Standardisation of Work Methods: Developing standardized procedures for tasks.
- Separate Planning Function: Separate the planning process from actual work execution.
- Management by Exception Principle: Focusing management attention on deviations from standards.
- Instruction Cards for Workmen: Providing detailed instructions for performing tasks.
- Task Allocation and Large Bonus for Successful Performance: Rewarding efficient performance with bonuses.
- The Use of the Differential Rate: Paying workers different rates based on their productivity.
- Mnemonic Systems: Classifying and organizing products and tools.
- A Routing System: Establishing clear pathways for production processes.
- A Modern Costing System: Implementing accurate cost accounting methods.

Standardisation and Simplification of Work

Central to Taylor's approach.
Involves setting standards for various business activities, like manufacturing processes, raw materials, time, products, machinery, methods, and working conditions.
Objectives of Standardisation:
- To reduce product variations, sizes, and characteristics.
- To promote interchangeable parts and products.
- To establish quality standards for materials.
- To set performance standards for workers and machines.

Simplification

Aims to eliminate unnecessary variations, sizes, and dimensions.
Focuses on reducing the diversity of products, leading to:
- Lower labor, machine, and tool costs.
- Reduced inventory levels.
- Increased equipment utilization and turnover.

Method Study

Aimed at determining the most efficient method for a specific task.
Involves analyzing different production methods and identifying the best one.
Example: Taylor's concept of the assembly line arose from method study.

Motion Study

Analyzes the individual movements involved in performing a task (lifting, placing, sitting, etc.).
Seeks to eliminate unnecessary motions to improve efficiency and reduce task completion time.
Example: Taylor and Frank Gilbreth reduced bricklaying motions from 18 to 5, increasing productivity by four times.
Classifications of motions:
- Productive: Motions that contribute directly to task completion.
- Incidental: Supporting motions like going to the store.
- Unproductive: Wasteful or unnecessary motions.

Principles of Management

Management principles are not fixed laws of science but instead guide management practices and effectiveness.
Organizations may adopt different management principles based on various factors.
Two different companies may both be successful, but one company may follow Taylor's principles of scientific management while the other prioritizes merit-based promotions.

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Description

Explore the origins of management principles from ancient times, highlighting the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza and its implications for management. Learn about the classical management theory that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, focusing on efficiency and production optimization through key theorists like Frederick Winslow Taylor.