Evolution of Management Thought: Classical Approach

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the classical theories of management, including Weber's bureaucratic model, Taylor's scientific management, and Fayol's administrative management.

Classical Approach

The first system or theory of management, aimed at increasing efficiency, standardizing work, improving productivity, and defining authority and responsibility through bureaucratic, scientific, and administrative branches.

Max Weber

A German sociologist who worked at Berlin University and introduced bureaucratic management in 1900, emphasizing that organizations should operate through rules, regulations, clearly defined authority, and formal structure.

Charismatic Authority

A type of authority identified by Max Weber that is based on an individual's personality and leadership qualities.

Traditional Authority

A type of authority described by Max Weber that is rooted in customs and traditions.

Rational Legal Authority (Bureaucracy)

A form of authority based on laws, rules, and official positions rather than personal qualities or custom.

Clear Hierarchy

A key feature of bureaucratic management ensuring every employee knows who is the boss and who reports to whom.

Separation of Personal and Official Matters

A bureaucratic principle dictating that personal relationships must not influence official decisions.

Competence Based Promotion

A bureaucratic practice where employees are promoted based on skills, knowledge, and performance rather than favoritism.

Scientific Management (1910)

An approach introduced by Frederick Winslow Taylor based on finding the 'one best way' to perform every job using scientific methods instead of rule of thumb to increase productivity and efficiency.

Frederick Winslow Taylor

Known as the father of scientific management, who advocated replacing rule of thumb with scientific study and focused on worker efficiency.

Replacement of Rule of Thumb

A principle of scientific management where the old method of workers deciding how to do tasks is replaced by management studying work scientifically.

Work Study

An element of scientific management that analyzes work through method study, time study, and motion study to eliminate unnecessary activities.

Functional Foremanship

A concept by Taylor requiring the separation of planning and doing functions to provide better control and expert supervision.

Costing System

A cost accounting element within scientific management used for cost control, waste reduction, budget preparation, and profit improvements.

Mental Revolution

Taylor's concept that both management and workers must transform their mindset, with management treating workers fairly and workers cooperating with management.

Henry Faiol (1841-1925)

Known as the father of modern management and administrative management, who focused on improving manager performance and overall organizational administration.

Administrative Management

A branch of classical management theory founded by Henry Faiol treating management as a universal process applicable to businesses, educational institutions, hospitals, government bodies, and NGOs.