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Explain how the managerial ideas of Taylor and Fayol differ from Mayo. Assess the relevance of Classical Management theorists to the management of contemporary organisations

Decent Essays

"Classical Management" comprises three different approaches:

- Scientific Management (associated with the work of F W Taylor);

- Bureaucratic Management (hierarchical structure associated with the work of M Weber);

- Administrative Management (associated with the work of H Fayol).

The "Human Relations" approach is associated with the work of E Mayo and F Roethlisberger. Immediately, we can see a difference between the ideas of Taylor and Fayol and those of Mayo as they are even classified differently. In order to explain how these managerial ideas differ, I will first explain what those ideas were.

Taylor

Taylor developed the four scientific principles of management:

1. Development of a true science

2. Scientific selection of the …show more content…

Differences

Classical Management (CM) attempted to apply logic and scientific methods to management of complex organisations. Human Relations Management (HRM) focused on working relationships to improve productivity.

Fayol and Taylor both emphasised the production process and adjusted humans to this process, whereas Mayo emphasised the coordination of human and social elements in an organisation through consultation, participation, communication and leadership.

CM emphasised the work of the individual, HRM viewed work as a group activity.

Although moving in the right direction, Mayo merely replaced "rational economic man" with "emotional social man", shifting the blame for poor performance from structural to personal attitudes and emotions.

Both approaches mistakenly held that there was "one best way" to manage all organisations.

Relevance of Classical Management theorists today

Taylor's work saw the introduction of time studies, work studies and industrial engineering, making an important contribution to the central procedures of many organisations. The modern assembly line is just one legacy of Scientific

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