Classic vs. Post-classic Management Approaches Flashcards
Describe the ‘Classic management approach.’
This approach is based on “subject-object” perspective. Knowledge of authority is used as a basis of legitimacy and a point of contact for competence. This approach attempts to reduce or even eliminate uncertainty, ambiguity and randomness in organizations. It constantly tries to recognize, depict and control “reality” (concept of naïve realism). The leader here is the “subject” and guides the “object” of the organization through the “treacherous reality.” In case of failure, actions are compensated by even more control activity and “steering.”
What are some of the problems, or “blind spots,” with the classic management approach?
Organization has already derived own perceptions and emergent strategies, contradiction to attitudes and interests of stakeholders as an often “incomprehensible” environment, and leadership over instructions and orders hides collective knowledge and interdependencies to a certain extent
Describe the ‘Post-classical management approach.’
This approach is based on the conviction that the management organizations is essentially obsolete through hierarchical mandates and vertical passage of information. It refers to the philosophical basis of “constructivism” as opposed to the classic management approach “naïve realism.” The approach is based on the insight that uncertainty, complexity and elements of self-control of teams can no longer be ignored and must be consciously included in management action. It is also based on the awareness of “blind spots,” the inclusion of the collective knowledge of the internal organization and, to the extent that it creates value, of the stakeholders.
In today’s management practice, is it more common to use classical management approaches or post-classical management approaches?
Both, we are seeing an increase in “mixed forms” between classical and post-classical management approaches.
Describe Paul Watzlawik’s “2nd order reality.”
It believes reality to be the result of communication - there is no “absolute reality,” only subjective, sometimes contradictory views of reality. It departs from the traditional thesis that “reality is what is really the case and communication is only a means of describing it.”
Describe Kenneth Gergen’s “Social Constructionism.”
This approach is opposed to radical constructivism and does NOT share its individualistic view. The concept is based on the assumption that groups produce the “world” themselves in discursive practices tied to culture and language. These constructions are not individual but are anchored in the context.
Is the Mintzberg model based on a constructivist approach?
Yes
Describe “Constructivism” as a management attitude/approach.
Ambivalence and diversity of situational management roles are considered “normal state.” There is a constant change between analytical-strategic and “down-to-earth requirements” in everyday management.
