During the Industrial
Revolution period, the following 3 theories gained popularity were modelled after
machines, as the popular belief then was such. As a people moving into an
industrialized society, the machine metaphor contained 3 elements which are
specialization (Every one in the organization has a specific function),
standardization (which includes replaceability) and predictability (a new set
of rules and standards can be applied to the situation to fix it from the use
of regular specific standards).
Henry Fayol’s Theory of
Classical Management
Fayol proposes five
fundamentals of managerial work. They are planning, organizing, command,
coordination and control. Fayol practices six principles of organizational
structure. They are the scalar chain, the unity of command, the unity of
direction, the division of labour, the order and the span of control. Fayol
prescribed power structure for optimal organizational functioning. The three
principles of Fayol’s organizational power structure are centralization,
authority and responsibility and discipline. His principles of organizational
attitude consider subordination of individuals’ interest to general interest.
Communication can be seen as the implicit part of Fayol’s elements of
management. An example of an organization that practices Fayol’s management
theory is the U.S. military.
Max Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy
Weber’s Theory of Bureaucracy is
mainly centered on a clearly defined hierarchy. Secondly, Weber characterized
hierarchy by division of labour. Thirdly, Weber believes that bureaucracies are
characterized by centralization of decision making and power. These three
notions are similar to Fayol’s theory. Three other aspects of Weber’s theory
are closed system bureaucracy, importance of rules and the functioning of authority.
Weber postulates the functioning of authority by traditional authority,
charismatic authority and rational-level authority.
Frederick Taylor’s Theory of Scientific
Management
The third classical theory in this
chapter is by Frederick Taylor who focuses on the relationship between manager
and employee instead of the organizational structure. His emphasis is on the
time and studies which he believes is the one best way to perform. Next, he
emphasizes on the importance of proper selection of workers and the importance
of training the workers as well as giving them incentives. He believes there
should be an inherent difference between management and workers. The
application of Taylorism can be seen applied on fast food chains like
McDonald’s.
