Managers and You in the Workplace – Notes

Who introduced the concept of division of labor (job specialization)?

Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations (1776).

What is division of labour?

the breakdown of jobs into small and repetitive tasks

What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on management?

Machinery replaced human labour, making factory systems more efficient.

What are the four major approaches to management theory?

Classical, Behavioral, Quantitative, and Contemporary.

What does the classical approach emphasize?

Rationality and maximum efficiency in organizations.

What two theories make up the classical approach?

Scientific management and general administrative theory

Who developed scientific management?

Frederick Taylor, Frank Gilbreth, and Lillian Gilbreth.

What are Taylor’s 4 Principles of Scientific Management?

1. Develop a science for each job.

2. Scientifically select and train workers.

3. Cooperate with workers to ensure proper methods are followed.

4. Divide work between management and workers.

What was Frank and Lillian Gilbreth theory entitles therbkigs about?

Therbligs: a classification scheme for labeling basic hand motions

What does the general administrative theory focus on?

describing what managers do and what makes good management practice.

What did Henri Fayol believe about management?

That management principles apply universally to all organizations and can be taught.

Look at pg15-16 for the 14 principles

Look at pg15-16 for the 14 principles

What are the characteristics of Weber’s bureaucracy?

Division of labor, hierarchy of authority, detailed rules, and impersonal relationships.

What does the behavioral approach study?

Organizational Behavior (OB) – how people act at work.

Why are managers important to organizations?

In uncertain times, to get things done and to ensure productivity.

Define a manager.

Someone who coordinates and oversees the work of others to accomplish organizational goals.

What are the three levels of management?

Top managers, Middle managers, and First-line managers.

What are the four functions of management?

Planning- Defining goals and develop plans to reach those goals.

Organizing- Arranging people and operations to achieve goals (determining what needs to be done, how it should be done and who is to do it)

Leading- Working with and through people to achieve goals Controlling- Monitoring and correcting work if necessary

Difference between efficiency and effectiveness?

Efficiency = doing things right (getting the most out of the least resources).

Effectiveness = doing the right things (achieving goals).

According to Mintzberg what are roles in a managerial context?

The actions/behaviour expected of a manager

What are Mintzberg’s three categories of managerial roles?

• Interpersonal (Figurehead, Leader, Liaison)

• Informational (Monitor, Disseminator, Spokesperson)

• Decisional (Entrepreneur, Disturbance handler, Resource allocator, Negotiator)

What are Katz’s 3 managerial skills?

Technical (knowledge in the area), Human (work well with others), Conceptual (the ability to handle complex situations concerning the organization)

Which skill is most important for top managers?

Conceptual skills.

Which skill is most important for middle managers?

All

Which skill is most important for lower-level managers?

Technical

What are the main changes managers face today?

Changing technology, increased competition, evolving security threats

What are some things that managers must focus on?

Customer service, Technology, Social media, Innovation, Sustainability, Employee management.

What does “universality of management” mean?

Management is needed in all organizations, at all levels, in all areas, worldwide

What are challenges of being a manager?

Thankless work, clerical duties, constant meetings, interruptions, limited resources, dealing with diverse personalities.

What are rewards of being a manager?

Creating a productive environment, recognition/status, and attractive compensation.