Management Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, prior to scientific management, workers' skills determined the efficiency of the task and the quality of the products manufactured, but Taylorism changed this by breaking down the task and process into small discrete "events" and determining the best manner to complete the task. This helped to introduce the concept of standard operating procedures. The author points out the work of Mayo, Maslow, and McGregor introduced the need to comprehend and recognize the role that the worker played in the success of the organization. The paper relates that Douglas McGregor also put forth the concept that people's management behavior is dependent upon their view of human beings and work, as postulated in pessimistic Theory X and idealistic Theory Y.

From the Paper:

"While the classical human resource management strategies have changed and evolved, they do exist in modern organizations. There is no doubt that every management theory has its weaknesses and shortcoming. When these theories were introduced they also revolutionarized the manner in which the task was undertaken by an organization. "Standard Time" introduced by Taylor allowed companies to benchmark the realistic time that was needed by the worker to perform a task. This concept of using standard time is still in use. Projects and production schedules for example measure the time needed for any operation based on the "standard time," it would take for the worker to complete the task. Workers in this environment can deliver products or services within the time frame specified."

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