Classical School of Management

Question 1

Classical school of management means…

Answer 1

Using a formal hierarchical structure and focuses on improving efficiency and worker performance by paying a ‘fair days pay for a fair days work’

Question 2

Classical management prioritises…

Answer 2

Physical and economic requirements over job satisfaction and social needs

Question 3

Classical views organisation as…

Answer 3

A machine

Question 4

Branches of classical… x3

Answer 4

Scientific management- Taylor
Administrative management- Fayol
Bureaucratic management- Weber

Question 5

Advantages to classical… x7

Answer 5

Scientific- Division of labour increases productivity and creates standardisation of job performance and product.
Weber- Training to become specialists improves their output per hour and quality. This also reduces mistakes.
Scientific- Financial incentives make employees feel appreciated and will work harder. Also allows managers to keep control of workplace.
Scientific- Time and motion studies can eradicate delays and eliminate wastage which increases efficiency and reduces wastage by utilising resources effectively
Weber- Clear hierarchy facilitates for quicker decision making using top down approach which accelerates workflow.
Administrative- Decisions made by experienced managers which reduces confusion in the workplace
Bureaucratic- Promotional opportunities motivates staff and increases staff loyalty

Question 6

Disadvantages to classical… x7

Answer 6

Kills creativity in workers and creates frustrations which demotivates and increase staff absenteeism
Specialisation in work can deskill staff making the workforce less flexible.
Cannot benefit from employee ideas, could miss out on competitive edge.
Workers motivated by money or paid using piece rate could produce mistakes which could give org bad rep.
Not everyone is motivated by financial incentive which means business will have to find other ways to motivate them
If employees are not paid competing wages they may feel undervalued which increases turnover and absenteeism.
Authoritative structure in orgs may result in employee stress and conflict with management. Which can cause resistance to change and poor employee relations. This could result in industrial action.