Changing times, changing organizational context
Management theory in the last hundred years
Management styles within organizations have changed quite drastically over the last hundred years. Management theory in the early 1900’s focused on extrinsic values such as wages as incentives and ignored the contribution of the external environment while more modern approaches recognize the impact of the external environment and intrinsic values such as learning opportunities and worker autonomy (Stueart, Moran, and Morner 19-42).
Management thought post-World War II involved both scientifically driven styles such as the Quantitative Approach and humanistic approaches such as the Self-Actualizing Movement. The Quantitative Approach relies on mathematical
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Along with more humanistic approaches came a school of thought which believed there was no best way in which to manage an organization. In the 1960’s, the Contingency Approach to management began to take shape and managers realized the best management style varied depending on the available technology, size of the organization, and outside influences such as the economy or available resources (Conference, I.R.M.A.I., and Khosrowpour 268; Stueart, Moran, and Morner 19-42).
More recently, the Learning Organization theory of management has taken hold, stemming largely from the need of organizations to deal with rapidly evolving technology. Learning Organization combines the System Approach view of the organization as a system, with the Self-Actualizing Movement’s view of employee autonomy and
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At this point in time the computer was being integrated into organizations, and viewed by many as a boon to information management. While the major use of computers was reserved for technical and science librarians, reference librarians were adopting the use of computers since the amount of material a reference librarian was required to know was becoming impossible to keep up to without a computer’s aid. Librarians were, and still are, expected to be aware of the newest techniques and have the skills to use new technologies on the
Waddell, D, Jones, G and George, J 2007, ‘Evolution of Management’, Contemporary Management, 1sted, North Ryde, N.S.W. : McGraw-Hill, c2007, Australia, pp. 41-67.
This research has asked us to look into three different styles of management and find real life examples of companies or individuals who have or are currently using such styles of management. To begin we will take a look into the use of an autocratic style of management versus a participative. In this portion we will look into Leona Helmsley and her chain of hotels. Once this potion is completed, our next section will be looking into a centralized style of management versus a decentralized style. In this section of the research, we will be looking into Apple Inc and how they have built an empire with a centralized style of managing philosophy. Finally, in the final section of the research we will be taking a look at how Google has created an informal environment in which employees have direct access to executives and have the ability to share thoughts and ideas that are taken serious and to the heart.
This assignment discusses the applicability of the ideas of scientific management theory by Frederick Taylor and general administrative theory by Max Weber in today’s organisations and managements. These theories have been constantly debated on whether their theories are still applicable to modern management in various countries, typically in the USA. Our research stance is partially agree which means agree but not completely agree to the extent that Taylor’s theory is more relevant in today’s organisations as his theory includes the mental aspects for workers. Gupta (2000) believes ‘every worker has a potential for development’. Nevertheless, Weber’s theory apportions a management system which is based on standardized procedures and a clear
It is made very clear by all Gurus of Management how important is to take into consideration every aspect of an organisation. They all have different points of view, whereas one of them believes that the issue of a modern company relates to the way that the job positions are constantly changing, the other believes that the atmosphere of the company is the crucial point of progress. Above all, they all claim for a change in the way that managers are managing, as they believe that the middle management is holding companies back and should be left behind. In turn, individuals should be able to work on their own, which consequently would give people more satisfaction from their job, increasing cooperation and innovation, therefore setting the company in the way of success.
Due to the changes in management patterns and advancements, there are changes that could be made to the theory to make it relevant and applicable in the contemporary management. For instance, in the fourteen principles, the inclusion of staff welfare may make the theory flexible and adaptable (Thomson 2004).
There are various organizational theories that attempt to evaluate the behavior of people in organizations, whether as a group or individually. The neo classical theory focuses on the needs of the workers and puts a premium on empowering employees in an effort to maximize their production (Colorado State University-Global Campus, 2010). Research by Sultana and Manivannan (2009) concludes that workers with institutional knowledge are a company’s most important company assets. A company needs to do what it can to retain these valuable assets, and neo classical thinking helped to spawn a new emphasis on job satisfaction and the social aspect of the workplace.
Robbins, S. P., & Coulter. M. (2014). Management (12th ed.). Retrieved from: Colorado Technical University eBook Collection database.
Miles, R. (1975) Theories of Management: Implications for Organisational Behaviour and Development. McGraw-Hill, New York.
In this modern era of technology and advancement, corporate/ Public & Private institutions are more focusing on productivity and constant growth through adapting different management styles and philosophies in order to hold strong their grip on market fluctuations and existence. They are working on more diversified concepts of management philosophies along with other factors that have influence on both Public & Private sector organizations.
Wren. (2005). The History of Management Thought (5th ed.). Danvers, MA: Wiley & Sons. (Original work published 1976)
The classical approach to management was the result of an effort to develop a body of management thinking and the management theorists who participated in this effort are considered the pioneers of management study. The classical viewpoint emphasises efficiency in managing wo...
Today’s era of business world adapts to everything new but these modern concepts are an indirect tribute to the theories produced by Taylor, Fayol, Mayo and Weber. Taylor’s Scientific management theory is one such example which has become such an important aspects of modern management that it feels unbelievable that his concepts were a part of the history. It is falsely assumed that as the society progresses, the older theories tend to lose their importance. The thing to be noted here is that these theories are based on basic human needs which do not change with time; the thing that changes is the method to fulfil those needs. Investigating earlier management theories is important because these theories are less complex and provide immediate solution to the problems. These theories basically help us to go to the root of the problem and understand its complexity. The better understanding we have about the problem, the easier it is to accomplish the objectives of the company. The following essay states the importance of the Taylor’s Scientific management theory and how it is implemented even today in the business world.
There are three well-established theories of classical management: Taylor?s Theory of Scientific Management, Fayol?s Administrative Theory, Weber?s Theory of Bureaucracy. Although these schools, or theories, developed historical sequence, later ideas have not replaced earlier ones. Instead, each new school has tended to complement or coexist with previous ones.
There are several theories that examine an organization and it’s approach to managing work in an effort to develop efficiency and increase production. Two classical approaches to management are Taylor’s scientific management theory and Weber's bureaucratic management theory. Both men are considered pioneers of in the study of management.
Over the past hundred years management has continuously been evolving. There have been a wide range of approaches in how to deal with management or better yet how to improve management functions in our ever changing environment. From as early as 1100 B.C managers have been struggling with the same issues and problems that manager’s face today. Modern managers use many of the practices, principles, and techniques developed from earlier concepts and experiences.