Key Management Theories: From Taylor to Contemporary Ideas

Scientific Management School

This school arose in the early twentieth century and introduced concepts such as:

• Task distribution
• Expertise
• Control
• Coordination
• Hierarchy

Its main exponents were Frederick Taylor and Max Weber.

Taylor proposed the division of labor between those responsible for planning (managers) and those executing that plan. The managers' primary responsibility is to optimize the performance of the executors. The specialization of tasks and skills saves the worker time, assuming they perform the same task daily. Weber emphasized the importance of planning and worker training.

Human Relations School

This school criticizes the excessive division of labor, arguing it wrongly presupposes that workers are incapable of planning their work. It champions:

• Group dynamics
• Democratic supervision
• Employee motivation

These are considered key elements for the proper functioning of an organization.

Behavioral Theories in Management

These theories represent a synthesis of the two previous schools. The behavioral sciences play a key role in understanding and interpreting the functioning of organizations. Concepts introduced include:

• Role
• Reference group
• Leadership
• Mediation

Motivation is prioritized. Abraham Maslow classified human needs into a five-level pyramid. Organizations should aim to satisfy not only the first-level needs of workers but also the higher-level needs that lead to self-realization.

General Systems Theory in Organizations

Organizations are understood as living organisms – systems where all elements are interrelated. Key areas of focus include:

• Environment
• Interaction
• Cohesion
• Management
• Information communication
• Self-regulation

Contemporary Management Approaches

Any organization must consider its environment, which is often uncertain and changing, requiring flexible and adaptable structures. Contemporary management emphasizes ideas such as:

• Innovation
• Effectiveness
• Efficiency
• Adaptability
• Planning
• Strategy
• Business plans

Effectiveness is defined as the achievement of objectives. Efficiency is the ability to achieve objectives using minimum resources.