Discuss one classical organizational theory and compare with two other theories of management identified in the weekly readings.

Provide examples to illustrate how each theory has been or is depicted in the workplace.
The scientific management theory by Taylor advocates for performance maximization
and scientific selection of employers to ensure that everyone is matched with a task that they are
good at. This theory is depicted in organizations where there is a distinct division of labor.
Employees are carefully selected. For instance, organizations that have different departments
such as human resources, communication, security, and production have employees who have
specialized in each of those areas and continue to get training to enhance their expertise. Another
theory is the bureaucratic theory by Weber and Fayol, which advocates for a hierarchical
management structure. Management is decentralized, and there is a clear division of role (Lumen
Learning, 2020). This differs from Taylor’s scientific theory in that management is separate from
ownership. Also, Bureaucratic theory leads to excessive procedures, unlike scientific theory. The
theory is depicted in organizations where there are different departments, and each department is
headed by a manager, who is also answerable to a senior manager. Decision making in such
organizations takes long due to make levels of management and decentralization in management
(Lumen Learning, 2020). Lastly, the humanistic management theory by Mary Parker Follet
advocates for cooperation and is thus against division of labor, unlike the other two theories by
Fayol and Taylor. Follet argues that cooperation wins as opposed to individual competition. The
theory is depicted in organizations where people work in teams. A group is assigned a project;
they work on it together until completion.

MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY 3
Using the three identified theories, discuss how the role of the manager in each theory.
In scientific management theory, a top-down management structure applies. In this kind
of environment, the role of the manager is to monitor how workers are executing their duties.
The chapter titled “Types of Managers and Their Roles” explains that every employee
understands what their job is, and knows that it might remain the same for a long time (Lumen
Learning, 2020). Managers thus train employees and ensure that are good at their job, then
monitor and evaluate their performance. Humanistic management theory, on the other hand,
presents a manager with different roles. A manager is charged with maintaining order at the
organization. It is the manager’s obligation to ensure that people and materials are in the right
place always. The manager is the source of the command. Employees receive commands from
one source as this theory advocates for centralization. Lastly, bureaucracy theory charges the
manager with the role of coordinating work at the organization. It advocates for impersonal
relationships and strict adherence to the law.
It is assumed that the classical theories of management are dated and not relevant in
today’s business environment. Identify a classical theory and explain why and how it is
relevant in business today;
The scientific management theory is relevant in business today. One of the core
principles of the theory is that a manager can achieve maximum efficiency if they hire the right
workers for the job, and train them to perfect in their roles. Also, this theory is relevant as it
guides managers on how to effectively organize and delegate roles. In Module 2 “History of
Management”, Taylor states that the manager should divide work between labor and
management (Lumen Learning, 2020). Employees should be assigned roles that entail labor,
while managers and other supervisors are assigned the roles of training and planning how tasks

MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY 4
are performed at the organization. The theory suggests a seamless management plan where every
employee is aware of their roles and has the necessary skills and expertise to execute them
efficiently.
Fredrick Taylor proposed a theory of management that focused on efficiency and motion.
Discuss whether Taylor\\’s theory is applicable in today\\’s business environment. Explain
how or how not.
Fredrick Taylor’s theory is applicable in today’s business environment as it focuses on
optimization. Through breaking down jobs, an employee is assigned a task that matches their
skills and level of expertise. Thus, efficiency is achieved and productivity enhanced. Breaking
down a project and assigning each employee a sub-tasks that they can do well in enhances
productivity, timely completion of the project, and excellence in how the project is completed.
Taylor’s theory advocates for delegation of responsibilities and training workers to take on
specific roles that are suitable for them. Since worker’s roles are fixed, specific and repetitive,
their efficiency is enhanced. Therefore, in a business environment where the manager is
interested in productivity and profitability, Taylor’s theory is very much applicable.

MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY 5

References

Lumen Learning. (2020). Principles of Management | Simple Book Publishing. Retrieved 22
May 2020, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wmopen-principlesofmanagement/