Evolution of Management Theory Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Evolution of Management Theory - Case Study Example Classical theory is essentially a grouping of similar ideas on the management of organizations that developed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.This theory contains three general branches.Quintessentially, the theory emphasizes on economic rationality of the individual employee at work. The Rational economic view was based on the ideas if the 18th-century economist, Adam Smith. According to this school of thought, people are motivated by economic gains, therefore they key to drive employees was a monetary reward. Another noteworthy development of the classical period was the introduction of scientific management.F W Taylor is known as the father of scientific management. His contribution to the practice of management is widely recognized. Taylor was the first one to introduce a scientific approach to the study and practice of management. The essence of scientific management can be encapsulated in the following four ideas: 1. Each job should be divided into parts and a scientific method for performing each part should be determined. 2. The method of recruiting and training employees should be scientific as well. 3. Co-operation between the workers and management was regarded paramount to achieve a desirable outcome of the tasks performed. 4. Lastly, an emphasis was laid on the idea of division of labor.Managers were to supervise, plan and instruct whereas the workers were expected to carry out the execution part. Further on, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth refined Taylor’s methods. 's methods. They were also pioneers in the field of management and their most important contribution is the time and motion series and emphasis on improving efficency.The components of time and motion series are-break down each action into elements, find better ways to perform it, reoraganize each action to be more efficient. The Gilbreths also studied fatigue problems, lighting, heating and other worker issues. Administrative principles: Another group of classical theorists dealt with the operations of an organization as a whole unlike the aforementioned pioneers who focused mainly on individual workers. The Administrative theorist sought the most optimum way to combine jobs and people into an efficient organization. One of the forerunners of