Management Approaches Flashcards
What is the point of classical management?
Stresses how best to manage and organise workers so as to improve productivity
What is classical-scientific approach?
Focuses on how best to organise workers and production methods on the factory floor.
Used time and motion studies to analyse the performance of a particular task
- Objective = reduce task to an effective minimum standard
A time and motion study = examine each step and the time taken to perform them
Division of labour -> tasks divided into small, specialised activities
What is classical-bureaucratic approach?
Emphasised how businesses should be organised or structured
What is an example of classical-scientific approach?
Production line method = most efficient
What are Taylor’s four principles of scientific management?
- Scientifically examine each part of a task to determine the most efficient method
- Select suitable workers and train them
- Cooperate with workers to guarantee they use the scientific methods
- Divide work and responsibility
Management = planning, organising & controlling
Workers = perform work as planned
What is Fayol’s management functions?
- Management as Planning
- Management as Organising
- Management as Controlling
What is the management function of planning? What is the operation?
the process of setting goals and deciding on the methods to achieve them.
planning the tasks that need to be performed.
What is the management function of organising? What is the operation?
the process of arranging the resources of the business to achieve the goals
organising the work and workplace in such a way as to maximise productivity and efficiency.
What is the management function of controlling? What is the operation?
the process of evaluating and modifying tasks to ensure that the set goals are being achieved
changing production procedures if goals are not being achieved
Why is management as planning important?
Planning = primary management function
Key to both the short-term and long-term success of a business.
Effective planning -> vision and goals -> strategies to achieve -> anticipation of future directions for change
What are the 3 levels of planning and how long are they estimated?
Strategic (long-term) planning = 3 - 5 years
- Determines where in the market the business wants to be and what it wants to achieve in relation to competitors
Tactical (medium term) planning = 1 - 2 years
- Flexible, adaptable and responds to changes quickly
- Emphasis on how the goals will be achieved through the allocation of resources
Operational (short term) planning = Day-to-Day
- Provides specific details about the way the business will operate in the short term
What is management as organising?
Organising = structuring of the organisation to translate plans and goals into action
- What is to be done (determining the work activities)
- Who is to do it (delegation of authority)
- How it is to be done (classifying activities)
Also organises the resources
What does management of controlling mean?
Controlling = compares what was intended to happen with what has actually occurred
What are the steps of the control process?
- establish standards in line with the firm’s goals and influences from employees, management, industry and government.
- measure performance and determine how comparisons will be made against standards or benchmarks
- take corrective action - changing activities, processes and personnel to ensure that the goals of the business have been met
What is hierarchical structure?
Primary characteristic = grouping of people by functions
- These may include marketing, finance, human resources and operations
- Tasks are further subdivided into specialised jobs
What are some characteristics of hierarchical structure?
- Rigid lines of communication
- Numerous levels of management
- Clearly distinguishable positions, roles and responsibilities
- Hierarchical, linear flows of information and direction
- Specialisation of labour
- A chain of command that shows who is responsible to whom
What is a leadership style?
A manager’s leadership style is essentially their way of doing things - their behaviour and attitude.
What are the two leadership styles on a continuum?
Autocratic (authoritarian) to participative (democratic)
What is an autocratic (authoritarian) leader?
one who makes the decisions and tells employees what tasks to do and how to do them
(manager is more individual)
What is a participative (democratic) leader?
presents problems, asks for suggestions and WORK TOGETHER to make a decision
What are features of an autocratic leadership?
- Provides clear directives by telling employees what to do
- No employee input
- Controls the people in the business closely
- Motivates through threats and disciplinary action.
- Expect compliance and obedience, and gives more negative feedback.
What are some advantages of an autocratic leader?
- Directions and procedures are clearly defined (Less chance of uncertainty)
- Clear employee roles and expectations
- Stable and consistent environment
- Control is centralised at top-level management
- Problems are dealt with quickly -> no discussion or consultation
What are some disadvantages of an autocratic leader?
- No employee input allowed -> ideas are not encouraged or shared
- ↓ skill development, employees don’t feel valued
- Ignores the importance of employee morale and motivation
- ↑ absenteeism and staff turnover
- ↑ conflict -> competing for approval -> lead to tension
- ‘Us and them’ mentality may develop
What is behavioural management?
- ‘Human relations’ approach
- Acknowledged the workers’ contribution to output
- Employees should be the main focus of business organisation
