Classical Approach of management theory, Study notes of Management Theory

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Classical approach of management: The classical approach to management (1900-1930) was the product of the first concentrated effort to develop a body of management thought. In fact, the management writers who participated in this effort are considered the pioneers of management study. The classical approach recommends that managers continually strive to increase organizational efficiency in order to increase production- the classical approach is based on the following tenets (Certo S C & Certo § T, 2006). The classical approach to management can be divided into mainly three distinct areas. These are: a) Lower level management analysis or scientific management b) Comprehensive analysis of management or administrative management c) Bureaucratic management Scientific management theory: Scientific management concentrates on the “one best way to perform a task; that is, it investigates how a task situation can be structured to get the highest production from workers. The process of finding this “one best way” has become known as scientific management (Certo S C & Certo § T, 2006). Although the techniques of scientific management could conceivably be applied to management at all levels, the research, research applications and illustrations relate mostly to lower-level managers. Therefore theory is also referred to lower level management analysis. Scientific management consists primarily of the work of Frederick W. Taylor, Frank and Lilian Gilbreth, and Henry L. Gantt. Frederick W Taylor (1856-1915) is commonly called the father of scientific management because of the significance of his contribution. He started his career as an apprentice in a small shop in Philadelphia (USA) in 1875. Taylor witnessed much inefficiency (Robbins et al. 2003). He sought to create a mental revolution among both workers and managers by defining clear guidelines for improving production efficiency. He argued that the four principles of management would resull in prosperity for both workers and managers. The principles (Robbins et al, 2003) are 1. Develop a science for each element of an individual's work to replace the old rule of thumb method. 2. Scientifically select and then train, teach, and develop the worker. 3. Heartily cooperate with the workers so as to ensure that all work is done in accordance with the principles of the science that has been developed. 4. Divide work and responsibility almost equality between management and workers. Management does all work for which it better suited than the workers. Frank Gilbreth (1868-1924) and Lilian Gilbreth (1878-1972) were also significant contributors to the scientific method. As a paint of interest, the Gilbreths facused on handicapped as well as normal workers, Like other contributors to the scientific method, they subscribed to the idea of finding and using the best way to perform a job. The primary investigative tools in the Gilbreths research were mation study, which consist of reducing each job to the most basic movements possible. Motion analysis is used today primarily to establish job performance standards. Henry L. Gantt (1861-1919) too, was interested in increasing worker efficiency. Gantt attributed unsatisfactory or ineffective tasks and piece rates (incentive pay for each product piece an individual produces) Scanned with CamScanner