Organizational Theory And Behavior

Samantha Trisha Thompson.

Organizational Theory and Behavior.

Question: The classical Organizational Theories are of questionable relevance,

to modern organization. Do you agree...? (500 words)

I will agree that the Classical Organizational Theories are the basis of Modern Organizations in several ways particularly as it relates to the principles and theories of F. W. Taylor (1856-1915), Henri Fayol (1841-1925) and Max Weber (1864-1924). I have provided a review of these principles and theories as well as a comparison to modern day organizations throughout my article.

My first theorist would be that of F. W. Taylor, the father of Scientific Management. He spent the greater part of his life working on the problems of achieving greater efficiency. The solutions that he came up with were based on his own experience at work; he was keen to pass on these ideas to others. From the employer's point of view efficiency of working matters was the dominant issue Taylor was able to provide a practical solution to this; he was passionately interested in the efficiency of working methods and as a result he developed a systematic analysis of work. He viewed man as an economic animal driven by income; if you train and equip men they will be productive. Other main contributors to the Scientific Management model are Henry Gantt, Lillian & Frank Gilbreth. In comparison to modern organizations little has changed in the general behavior of men and as a result the same principles apply where we see organizations investing heavily on training and development and also improving working conditions for both management and staff thus improving productivity. Therefore with implementing incentives and enhanced benefits this enabled employees to earn more according to results.

We then reiterate to the theories of Henri Fayol, an Industrialist who sub-divided management into six basic groupings: technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting and managerial activities. Fayol emphasized that these principles were not absolute but were able adaptation according need. He also developed the fourteen