Classical Theory

             

INTRODUCTIONS

Classical management theory is a branch of management theory which evolved around the 19th

century .It was developed during the industrial revolution when problems related to factory

systems to recognize the role that management plays in an organization particularly focusing on

the efficiency of the work process. Over time classical approach developed 3 branches;

  1. Scientific Management theory

  2. Bureaucratic Management theory

  3. Administrative Management theory

IDEOLOGIES IN CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT THEORY

1. SCIENTIFIC THEORY

  Scientific Management theory grew out of the need to improve efficiency through more efficient

utilization of physical and human resources. It focuses on the best way an individual efficiently

performs a task. It was developed by scientists and engineers among them F.W.Taylor (1856-1915). Taylor studied each job and determined the most

efficient way to perform each job. He set a number of principles to guide management; development of a true person’s job( Job description), the scientific selection, training and development of workers,

division of work, and responsibility for both management and workers, that is, let them do their

work and determine accurately the correct times and methods for each job.

Implications: This approach led to dramatic increase in productivity and higher pay. However workers began to oppose this approach because they feared

that working harder or faster would exhaust whatever work was available, causing layoffs.   The

emphasis on productivity and by extension profitability led some managers to exploit both

workers and customers and as a result, more workers

joined unions.   It was thus Henry Grant came up with a new idea of workers and supervisors earning

bonuses for achieving set targets, hence, this incentive furthered motivational impact....