The Jungle of Management Theory
Management theory is a set of principles and procedures used to assist in the management of organizations. It includes the development of goals, strategies, policies and plans, as well as the implementation and evaluation of those plans. Management theory is based on the belief that organizations can be managed in an effective manner by utilizing the practices of management. This theory has been developed over the years by a variety of individuals and organizations, each contributing their own unique perspectives on the best ways to manage organizations.
One of the earliest theories of management was developed by Henri Fayol, a French engineer who wrote the book “General and Industrial Management” in 1916. In it, he proposed a set of fundamental principles that could be used to guide organizational decision-making and strategy. He suggested that organizations should have clear objectives, divide work according to functional lines, provide a system of command, allow for initiative and experimentation, and regularly evaluate results. These principles have been influential in the development of modern management theories, and are still studied today.
Another important figure in the development of management theory was Fredrik Taylor, who wrote “The Principles of Scientific Management” in 1911. Taylor focused on the use of scientific methods and data to increase efficiency in organizations by breaking down every task into its most basic parts. He suggested that management should use time-and-motion studies to find the most efficient way to perform a given task. His theory has been widely adopted in industrial organizations, and has since been used to streamline processes in many fields.
The human relations movement, which began in the 1930s and 40s, argued that workers should be viewed not just as machines but as people with feelings and needs. This movement, pioneered by theorists such as Elton Mayo and Mary Parker Follett, placed emphasis on communication and cooperation between management and labor. The movement suggested that managers should take into consideration the psychological effects of work, and build teams that were motivated by trust and dignity rather than fear of punishment.
Since the early days of management theory, numerous scholars and theorists have proposed their own theories, each bringing a unique perspective on how best to manage organizations. These include the systems approach, which suggests that organizations should be viewed as holistic entities with interconnected parts; the contingency approach, which argues that the effectiveness of management strategies should be determined on a case-by-case basis; and the transformational approach, which advocates for the active involvement of managers in creating a positive work environment.
The development of management theory continues today, as more and more organizations adopt new techniques and technologies to remain competitive in the global marketplace. In addition, theorists have now begun to take into consideration more ethical, cultural and environmental factors when developing management theories and policies. With this continuing evolution, the jungle of management theory continues to expand, bringing new and innovative ways of managing organizations.
