Evolution of Management Theory

Paper Summary:

This paper provides a brief overview of the evolution of management theories from as far back as China in the sixth century BCE to the present day. The author discusses a few of the writers who were responsible for laying the foundations of management theory, such as Adam Smith, Henry Towne, and Frederick Taylor, whose theory of management, published in 1911 and known as scientific management, is still incorporated into management policy by managers around the world. Other theories such as the administrative theory developed by Fayol and Elton Mayo's behavioral theory are also described. The paper concludes with suggestions for improving management techniques in the author's organization, the U.S. Marine Corps.

Outline:
Management
Classic Approaches to Management
Scientific Management
Administrative Theory
Behavioral Approach
Management Science/Operations Research Approach

From the Paper:

"Management theory was not advanced for thousands of years as most people lived on subsistence farms or ran small shops that did not require much organization to function. This all changed as the world entered the industrial revolution. In the 1700's philosophers, such as Adam Smith, began to analyze the things that made people work. Smith believed workers would be most compelled by whatever would give them the biggest economic gain and, therefore, believed the greatest reward for a worker was more money (Colorado State). Even in present times monetary reward is still the easiest way to achieve better performance."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Accel Team. Historical perspective on productivity improvement. Retrieved June, 2008 from http://www.accel-team.com/scientific/scientific_03.html.
• Colorado State University. Evolution of Management Thought. Retrieved June, 2008 from http://www.biz.colostate.edu/faculty/dennism/Management-Evolution.html.
• David B. Balkin, Robert L. Cardy and Luis R. Gomez-Mejia. 2008. Management: People, Performance, Change, 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill. New York, New York
• Frederick W. Taylor. (1967) The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper and Row. New York, New York
• Patrick J. Montana and Bruce H. Charnov. 2000. Management, Third Edition. Barron's. New York, New York.

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