management approaches

• Classical approach to management


  Developed at a time when the manager of a business had total control over every aspect of business operations
• Workers in classical approach

  • Had very limited, if any, education
  • Merely followed the directions of managers
  • Focused on performing a specific task in the most efficient and effective way
  • Did not question how or why decisions were made
• Goal of managers in classical approach

  To maximise employee productivity
• Classical approach


  Combination of classical scientific approach and classical bureaucratic approach
• Emphasis of classical approach

  • Maximising output through increasing worker efforts and productivity
• Frederick W. Taylor's principles of scientific management

  1. Scientifically examine each part of a task to determine the most efficient method

  2. Select suitable workers and train them to use the scientifically developed work methods

  3. Cooperate with workers to guarantee they use the scientific methods

  4. Divide work and responsibility so that management plans, organises, and controls, and workers carry out the work
• Henri Fayol's four key functions of management

  1. Planning: deciding the function of the business

  2. Organising: creating a framework to implement a business plan

  3. Leading: ensuring that actions match objectives

  4. Controlling: comparing the results to the business plan
• Behavioural approach to management

  Recognised the importance of staff motivation in improving productivity
• Behavioural approach vs classical approach


  • Focuses on leading, motivating and communicating, unlike the classical approach
• Elton Mayo's research


  Involved workers at a Philadelphia textile mill, found that the introduction of rest periods helped reduce turnover
• Contingency approach to management

  Makes decisions based on the current set of circumstances, which are constantly changing, and needs to make adjustments to the business processes to maximise progress
• Contingency approach


  • Emphasis on adaptability and flexibility
  • Laissez-Faire management style where employees are allowed to do as they choose, showing a lot of trust
• The contingency approach to management involves facing the current situation head-on