Management Evolution Theory

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer looks at the evolution of management principles, from classical theory (closely linked to scientific management theory) to the present. This includes three major stages, or schools of thought: (1) the classical school; (2) the human relations school; and (3) the human resources school. In this essay, the writer explores the evolution of the classical; human relations; and human resources schools of management theory. The writer also compares, contrasts and explains key differences between these three management theories. The writer also touches briefly on a few of today's other, more recent, management theories: systems theory; contingency theory; quality theory; reengineering theory and chaos theory.

From the Paper:

"Classical-style management, on the other hand, is exemplified within organizations like IBM; Hitachi; Wal-Mart, and others. In fact, human relations-style management seems to have mostly gone out of style in most of today's organizations, particularly larger ones. Many times, companies like Wal-Mart or Starbuck's, with their stock option opportunities and other employee perks, seem to try to create an effect of employee inclusiveness, but such perks are in fact mere gestures within an essentially top-down (classical) organizational structure. In corporate life today, "top down" classical management is, although the oldest, also the most common. Increasingly, moreover, even non-profit entities like colleges and universities which used to practice (or at least had a reputation for practicing) principles like shared governance, are instead using top-down, hierarchical-type management approaches and systems."

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