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OVERVIEW OF CHAPTER

In this chapter, how management thought has evolved in modern times and the central concerns that have guided ongoing advances in management theory are explored. First, the classical management theories that emerged around the turn of the twentieth century are examined. Next, behavioral management theories developed before and after World War II are examined, and then management science theory, which developed during the second World War. Finally, the theories developed to help explain how the external environment affects the way organizations and managers operate are examined.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe how the need to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness has guided the evolution of …show more content…

Taylor believed that by increasing specialization and the division of labor, the production process would become more efficient.

• According to Taylor, the way to create the most efficient division of labor could best be determined by scientific management techniques, rather than intuitive or informal rule-of-thumb knowledge. He developed four principles to increase efficiency in the workplace.

Principle 1: Study the way workers perform their tasks, gather all of the informal job knowledge possessed by workers, and experiment with ways of improving task performance to increase efficiency. Time and motion studies were one of Taylor’s main tools. Principle 2: Codify the new methods of performing tasks into written work rules and standard operating procedures.

Principle 3: Carefully select workers so that they possess the skills and abilities that match the needs of the task and train them to perform the tasks according to the rules and procedures established in step two.

Principle 4: Establish a fair or acceptable level of performance for a task and then develop a pay system that provides a higher reward for performance above the acceptable level.

• By 1910 Taylor’s system of scientific management had become nationally known, but some managers implemented the new principles selectively, resulting in problems. Dissatisfied

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