Org Theory Neoclassical Theory

Question 1

one person majorly associated with neoclassical theory

Answer 1

elton mayo

Question 2

neoclassical theory was a modification of classical theory in realizing the fact that management exists in a ___ ___ wherein ____ ___ have cognizant roles to perform. _____ play a critical role in the decision making process

Answer 2

management exists in a social environment wherein human factors have cognizant roles to perform. employees play a critical role in the decision making process

Question 3

neoclassical theories agree with the merits of classical theory, but give more importance to ____ and ____. they criticise the ___ ____ approach to classical management

Answer 3

neoclassical gives importance to HR and psychology, they criticize the hard, scientific approach to classical management

Question 4

the new breakthrough of neoclassical theory was that humans are ___ ___, and they will work better if they can ____

Answer 4

humans are social animals and they will work better if they can socialize

the birth of HR

scientific management was only interested in productivity

Question 5

elton mayo was a ___ by trade

Answer 5

psychologist

he is called the father of motivation and morale

he supported frederick taylor’s idea that employees are motivated by pay, but he also said they were motivated by something else

proposed idea that people felt pride in belonging to a group

Question 6

what was the hawthorne experiment and what was mayo’s original prediction

Answer 6

mayo separated workers into teams with the aim of investigating physical factors on motivation and productivity

his original prediction was the motivation and productivity would decrease as working conditions became worse, but this experiment proved him wrong

Question 7

who is responsible for the hawthorne experiment

Answer 7

elton mayo

Question 8

two findings of the hawthorne experiment

Answer 8

the experimenter effect: making changes was interpreted by workers as a sign that management cared, and provided mental stimulation that was good for morale and productivity

the social effect: it seemed that by being separated from the rest and being given special treatment, the experimentees developed a certain bond and camaraderie that also increased productivity

Question 9

what was the second phase of mayo’s hawthorne experiment

Answer 9

the bank wiring room, which he used to study social effects
- employees had to assemble telephone switching equipment, they received special attention and treatment in performing their work
- three tasks: wiring, soldering, experimentation
- employees were strangers and put in special room together given instructions regarding the three processes
- it took 3 weeks for normal social behavior to resume

Question 10

ultimate conclusion of mayo’s hawthorne experiment

Answer 10

• it is social, not physical, factors that boost productivity and motivation
• in first phase, the light had no significant impact on productivity of workers
• in bank room, the informal group revealed that employees were not only economic beings but also social and psychological beings
• special treatment and attention caused employees to increase productivity

the Hawthorne Effect: people take pride in belonging to a group

conclusion: efficiency and productivity could increase if the attitudes of employees were well regarded

Question 11

what is the hawthorne efefct

Answer 11

there exists a positive relationship between the amount of attention employees receive and their productivity

his experiment provided data for this but its criticized for being exaggerated

Question 12

Human relations school of thought (within neoclassical theory, driven by mayo)

Answer 12

• encourages positive workplace relationships
• considers the individual needs and wellbeing of employees
• social factors increase employee morale, retention, motivation, and productivity

this has also faced criticism
- primarily based on the outcome of the hawthorne experiment, which may have been unscientific in its design and lacking sufficient supporting evidence
- ignores the potential impact of conflict
- oversimplifies human behavior, satisfied workers does not automatically mean productive workers, other factors that contribute to the workplace are overlooked by mayo

Question 13

the behavioral science theory (within neoclassical theory) background

Answer 13

• believes in interpersonal relations
• maslow’s hierarchy of needs, McGregor’s theory X and Y, Frederick Herzberg’s two factor theory
• unlike beliefs of pure classical theory, behavioral science believes that human beings like work but it should not be superimposed and should instead be self-realized

Question 14

basic premises of behavioral science theory (within neoclassical theory)

Answer 14

• people enjoy work fundamentally
• people believe in self-discretion and self-control
• people are interested In their own jobs and creativity in a healthy, safe, congenial environment
• people consider themselves to be important and like to be treated that way
• people like the opportunity to contribute suggestions and be welcomed/encouraged by supervisors

Question 15

6 contributions of neoclassical theory behavioral factors to organizational theory

Answer 15

1. individual behavior
2. group behavior
3. task (emphasis on coordinated activities, grouping work)
4. participative management (employees have right to take part in management decisions, this will increase productivity)
5. motivation
6. communication (two-way and group communication)

Question 16

theory X is ___
theory Y is ___
theory Z is ___

Answer 16

theory x–autocratic
theory y–democratic
theory z–

Question 17

what did mcgregor think of theory x (autocratic)

Answer 17

it was old-fashioned, out of date, an artifact of pre and early industrial management

Question 17

theory x assumes that people work…

Answer 17

people work only because they have to, will do as little as they can to make money and don’t want to think for themselves

assumes worker needs to be compelled to do the job they are paid for

workers will needs strong motivation to do something *ex. promise of reward or threat of punishment

TAYLORISTIC

Question 18

theory y assumes what about people’s feelings on work

Answer 18

while people may prefer not to come to work, they still want to do well, do their best, and bring passion and creativity to jobs

assumes workers see work as part of their lives and will work hard if given responsibility and recognition

workers are motivated by the opportunity to be created and have initiative

MAYO

Question 19

what did mcgregor think about theory y (democratic)

Answer 19

he thought it was better fit for modern times than theory x. it brings workers intelligence and enthusiasm into the picture

Question 20

theory z is based on ___

Answer 20

teaming
democratic in nature with team making the final decision

Question 21

who is responsible for theory z

Answer 21

william ouchi

Question 22

theory z is modeled after what countries management styles, and what does this mean for it

Answer 22

modeled after japanese management styles
- paternalistic in some ways, offering framework and structure for employees to work in but giving respect to those employees

Question 23

theory z assumes what about peoples attitude towards work

Answer 23

assumes that people want a long term career, want to believe in what they do, want to be lead wit ha clear sense of purpose

the boss still has to convince people of the benefit of the work that they are putting in, and that the organization cares for them and they will be rewarded for the work that they do

Question 24

how did theory z go over when implemented by european and US businesses

Answer 24

• did not land well
• theory z’s management practices are deeply imbedded in japanese culture and conformed to long standing set of cultural norms
• it was easier for them to operative within a culture that was already leargely theory z driven
• american and european cultures not theory z driven

theory z gained traction as prevailing management thoery, but is no longer seem as dominant moder of how to run organizations. still traces of it though alongside other theories