Frederick Winslow TaylorInvented "Taylorism" where he minimised time, waste as well as money by timing how the job is done by each individual, putting them in positions most suited to them and ultimately, the job was done in a very efficient way.
His theory was based mostly on efficiency and productivity and believe this was the best way to get the work done. His theory on Taylorism also include that the workers took no responsibilities (the managers are the operating force) and financial rewards are the workers' main motivation.
Personal opinion : I believe that Taylorism is a great theory to adopt in a company that relies on productivity of their factories, but definitely not the "best way" to do every task. However, skilled and talented workers may be discouraged to keep their job, because it seems to me that Taylor see his workers not as employees, but see them as machines.
Max WeberHis theory revolves around bureaucracy, where large organisations need strict rules and regulations, hierarchical type of management with strict responsibilities which also stresses out the need for close supervision and disciplines and minimal employee discretion.
Personal opinion : Max Weber's theory is similar to the description of Tall Structures, which I believe works very well in large corporate organisations as it is easier to control and big corporations earn a great sum of money, chances of corruption is lowered if close supervision and disciplinary actions are well carried out.
Henry Ford"Fordism" is a term made, named after Henry Ford himself, that describes that modern economics and social system should be based on an industrialized and standardized form of mass production and maximum efficiency.
Personal opinion : So far, I've find "Fordism" and "Taylorism" one of the most interesting theories I've encountered. I feel that emphasis is made on production and results, which is a crucial part in a company's growth. However, adopting these ideas might be inhumane and insensitive to their staffs. There are cases in China that factories revolves on how to improve productivity, and quality and standards deteriorate and their personnels are paid in a ridiculously low amount of money and the factories generate a great deal of harmful waste causing harm to whomever live near the area and ultimately, the world. To adopt "Fordism" to this extent, is ludicrous. Hence, I believe, maximum production and efficiency is not the most important.
Henri Fayol
He believed that the fundemental management principles are as follows:
-Division Of Labour
-Authority and Responsibility
-Discipline
-Fair Remuneration
-Centralisation
-Efficiency
-Harmony
Personal Opinion : In contrast of the Federick Winslow Taylor, Max Weber and Henry Ford, Mr. Fayol seems to put into account the thoughts and feelings of his workers, which is a very good thing to keep morale up. I believe this theory fits very well in stressful line of work such as law firms. Nevertheless, to keep efficiency and fairness, is not an easy task, and will affect the peace within the company. It may be easy for Henri to suggest it, but it is clear that harmony and efficiency is difficult to establish together at once
Elton MayoHe was famous for the term "The Hawthorne Effect" or, as most would call it, "The Observer Effect", which describes the form of reaction of the subjects improve or change in terms of their behaviour (which is being experimentally measured). Subjects would know that they're being studied but not in any kind of experimental manipulation.
The Hawthrone Effect showed that physical condition doesn't affect productivity, and that social and human interaction would boost the output. This helped in the recognition of the importance of teamwork in an organisation, bringing a big contribution in terms of Human Relations (showing that economic and social factors influence workers' performance)
Personal opinion : Different individual react differently in stressful situations, and the observer effect will definitely add to stress. Some individual may work harder in stressful situations, but not everyone. Personally, I do not like to work in such a condition where my manager breathes down my neck, constantly criticizing my work. It may gravely damage morality of the staffs.
Eric TristHe has the notion that there is a link between social system and technical system.
In the lecture, I've also learnt that management must be aware that although technical advancement is important to the success of a business, the work force may be damaged as it damages social interactions at work.
A good example would be corporates owning cubicles and computer its individual personnels.
Personal Opinion: Technologies may affect in that way, damaging social interactions, or, optimistically speaking, make work easier. Not everybody has the time to entertain every single one of their colleague with a heavy pile of work, face to face. It depends on how technology is being used.
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These are some of the classical approaches to management, which are still widely applicable to modern times, but in different forms.
Other factors that could affect a business would be :
- Suppliers
- Rivalry of other similar organisations
- New Entrants
- Substitute products or services
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