Management theories
1) INTRODUCTION
Management theories are a collection of rules that direct managers on the manner of conducting the organization and its operations. The practical application of these leads to high standard performance at large. The four managerial theories include; Administrative management theory, Bureaucratic management theory, and Scientific theory of management. Henri Fayol’s administrative management theory majors on the structure of the organization as a whole: It relies on 14 principles that guide managers on executing their managerial tasks effectively. Fayol also included in his theory the six functions of management that liaise hand in hand with the laws. The features include; forecasting, planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling, (Murugesan, 2015). Effective administering and application of these set rules lead to excellent outcomes by the whole organization; hence set goals are achievable through the administrative structure, a clear division of labor, and delegation of power and authority to administrators relevant to their areas of responsibilities.
- To explain the essentiality of managers to be aware of the various theories of management.
- To discuss the strength and weaknesses of administrative management theory.
- To discuss traits that make one an effective leader.
- To liaise traits that make one an effective leader having used the administrative management theory.
- To have a clear outline of the classical theory and its features.
Managers perform duties that are essential to run an organization effectively to accomplish set goals and objectives. The primary functions are planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling. These functions are all necessities for the handling of processes and communication with subordinates to precede how to best work and improve operational processes. Management theories provide frameworks on the manner of handling responsibilities and goal realization for all divisions within the work structure. Classical management theory, comprising of three primary approaches, focuses on increasing production by creating high-standard operations in the organization. In the scientific management theory, the manager has to be particulate about minimizing waste and reducing production times. On the other hand, the Administrative approach considers all the activities executed within a structure; therefore, it is a guiding protocol for managerial tasks wholesomely. Bureaucracy theory focuses on dividing the organization into hierarchies hence establishing sharp lines of authority and control, (Ijsse.com, 2020). The manager here decides based on reason and not charisma. The behavioral approach is more of a people-oriented method of management that comprises human relations theory and behavioral science theory. In human relations theory, which came to be through unions and the government coming in to react to the theory’s dehumanizing effects. The primary belief being that the prosperity of an organization was equivalent to workers prospering as well.
On the other hand, behavioral science theory combines anthropology, sociology, and psychology to provide a basis for employees’ motivation. This theory recognizes the need for a manager to be friendly. Modern management theory incorporates traditional approaches and technology change. The three current methods are the quantitative way, which solves issues involving integrating systems of people and materials. Scientific theory interrelates components of an organization demanding process flows and goals, serving the organization’s well-being and contingency theory. The theory suggests that organizations that use technology have their managers making better situational decisions and performing better by adapting to unique circumstances, (Robbin & Coulter, 2018). As elaborated above, every management theory is an essential managerial requirement. Different organizations require different administrative execution depending on their difference in structures and functions. Some of the approaches can be combined to fit a specific organization’s structure for smooth workability. Due to the effectiveness of the strength of a business, managers should selectively consider varied factors before settling on the management theory to administer. In conclusion, there is a need for managers to familiarize themselves with these theories to have an insight into what works best for their organization.
- The strengths
The theory facilitates the structure of an organization describing a hierarchical structure of management whose actions are a forceful leader. The top-down remains popular and can be used by small businesses as it ensures the implementation of decisions from the senior rank. The theory promotes unity and the team concept in an organization. According to Fayol, employees should work as a team rather than work alone when doing individual projects. Employees can combine different skills hence removing any weakness allowing those with opposing talents to make up for other deficits, (Jun, 2017). Fayol value team spirit and suggested that the sense of achieving a common goal, thus promoting the sharing of knowledge with colleagues. Through fair compensation, employees are easily motivated, which makes employees perform above average standards. Fayol includes non-monetary bonuses apart from money, as this equally important. Awards and company retreats as compensations enable interactions within employees, thus boosting their performances. Administrative management theory is one of the most comprehensive management theory. Fayol clearly explains the steps and ways that a manager can adopt to ensure success and achieve organizational goals. Fayol provides the 14 principles of management to be used by managers. The laws make the theory one of the most used as it proves to work in most organizations.
- The weaknesses
The theory bases on human application .humans are naturally bound to make mistakes. The approach depends on unity, forming a strong team of management. With errors, the strength of the group is questionable. The difference in personality and occurrences of mistakes reduces the success of the theory to promote unity. Failure to recognize the probability of unintended consequences in the workplace, Administrative management aims at making behaviors predictable and achieving high productivity. To accomplish this, managers set rules and regulations which subordinates may follow without intent leading to a minimum level of performance. Perhaps, if laws were not explicit, the production would be different. The assumptions used have not been tested as most of the assumptions made are based on the belief that the practices follow moral codes directed toward success. Most of the premises are based on value judgments and not through scientific tests, (Simplified, 2020). The practices come from the writer’s experiences as a manager in a specific organization. Fayol derives his work from having worked at a stable manufacturing firm environment. He has not put into account small firms, and those that use advanced technology have different challenges. Fayol’s practices are biased, as the focus on a specific organization.
To be an effective leader, one should be an effective communicator. Communication comprises the exchange of verbal and non-verbal cues. Authenticity counts for effective communication as the leader should be sincere and honest. A leader should be genuine and honest. A leader should be precise in his connection and not disguise in any manner. A leader should be visible when communicating and showing up in person when disclosing crucial information as often as possible to build personal relationships with subordinates. Doing that enables a smooth personal relationship with subordinates, making it easy to interact efficiently with stakeholder groups. Listening is a crucial communication component that will help gain a clear understanding of the other parties involved, building trust, openness, and respect, (Robbin & Coulter, 2018). For effective communication, making sure the information reaches those intended, relentlessness is of importance. Then communicating ideas and thoughts concisely and frequently for secure relay using illustrations and presentations to capture attention. The leader should keep communication paths transparent and open within the organization’s channels. Being direct and straightforward avoids complexity and grievances within the organization. The leader should talk, listen, and encourage input without prior bias, discrimination, or stereotype as this will, in turn, encourage employees to focus on being part of the solution.
Decisiveness is one of the characteristics that emerge when we think of a good leader. Because a leader should not appear to be unclear or uncertain but instead should look fast but sure in making their decisions, a leader must employ clarity out of an ambiguous situation. The leadership decision-making skills are identifying critical factors that affect the outcome of a choice. A leader should possess interpretive and analytical skills, which help in prioritizing what is to address. A leader should be able to evaluate options and establish priorities accurately. A good leader should be able to have reasons to support any evaluation made .the leader should have skills to anticipate the outcomes and see the consequences of any decision made. Having excellent decision-making capabilities enables one to evaluate the results of their choices. Before doing any rational actions, one should consider all legal activities. The leader should be able to navigate risk and uncertainty .this is done by concluding probable and best-justified inferences as the future is always unknown. A leader should be able to understand and reason in contexts requiring quantitative analysis that involves analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating critical information. The information can come from charts, tables, graphs, and texts—interpretation skills of numbers and their impacts on decision making. For better leadership, they should impose their effectiveness in every executable task, including their decisiveness in thinking.
Henri Fayol’s statement of a manager’s functions in the administrative management theory is planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. The leadership traits covered can be used to achieve the defined tasks in the following ways. Decision making is crucial in planning as advanced maters in the organic matter of what, how, and when to execute actions are involved. Practical communication skills help explain how to administer the plan. Being the central point of command, the leader can give orders, divide work, and provide directions on what to do, (Robbin & Coulter, 2018). A leader can also listen to his subordinates on how to reach a specific resolution, thus promoting team spirit. A plan having had an execution date employs discipline from all parties concerned.
Organizing will involve creating an organizational structure that promotes the combining of human and non-human resources in its activities. It requires better decision-making skills to create a working arrangement that is goal-oriented, (Griffiths 2015). Making better decisions is enhanced by overall team participation in identifying the problem and working together to achieve the best solution. Commanding includes giving directions and guidelines to subordinate staff .this requires a leader to have exemplary communication skills. It also helps to promote clarity when providing specific instructions. For the best achievable results, the orator should be understandable for the successful delivery of the intended message.
When giving commands, one should be decisive on what to do or say to display clarity and preciseness all through the choice of words and manner of communication and issuance of commands, (Murugesan, 2015). Direct connection shows the depth of its importance.it is a form of authority with the sternness and robustness that it deserves still having encouraged discipline and equity amongst the team. Coordinating involves combining of efforts of all departments to have a comfortable working structure. It requires cohesive communication amongst them for smooth operation within the organization. Rationality in all decisions made is essential for a clear discernment of departmental tasks. An effective leader can coordinate all corporate structures in his organization based on the distribution of work. All this will, in turn, promote equity, unity, order, and discipline amongst hierarchical groups in the organization for a more stable and proceeding organization.
The controlling function for a leader involves monitoring the performance of the organization compared with set goals to improve performance. Effective communication helps in the manager- subordinate interaction that promotes openness in the team. The manager can get insights into the production from workers directly, hence hastens problem resolution by knowing the problem, (Murugesan, 2015). Therefore the leader is then able to make appropriate decisions using his bestowed authority to amend the issue .the subordinates in turn converse on ways of improving themselves and the organization through the transparent management-staff communication channel. Managers can identify essential skills amongst their workers and can, therefore, allocate and distribute resources adequately.
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Management theories are a set of guidelines that help managers to run an organization. Classical methods of management comprise of Scientific management theories, Administrative and Bureaucratic approach. The manager needs to understand the various concepts of the different management theories to achieve the specific set goals of an organization. Each management theory is vital during the managerial process. The administrative method of management is one of the commonly used theories of control because it is one of the most comprehensive approaches. The administrative theory has both advantages and disadvantages hence the need to choose a method carefully when implementing. The 14 principles of organizational theory can be achieved fully within the presence of good leadership traits. These leadership traits include effective communication and ethical decision making. Different management theories have been put into practice by various companies for a long time in history. The approaches have helped different organizations to improve the quality of services offered and also increase productivity to achieve set goals. The management theories have created a favorable environment of work between employees and employers as they work in a pleasant climate. The simplified management theories that are applied today are Theory X and Theory Y, Contingency theory, Systems theory, and Scientific management theory.