Behavioral Viewpoint

Behavioral Viewpoint: Behaviorism, Human Relations, and Behavioral Science

  • behavioral viewpoint: emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior and motivating employees towards achievement

  • developed over 3 phases:

    1. early behaviorism
    2. the human relations movement
    3. behavioral science
  • human relations movement: better human relations could increase worker productivity

    • pioneered by Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) and Douglas McGregor (1906-1964)
  • behavioral science: relies on scientific research for developing theories about human behavior that can be used to provide practical tools for managers

    • includes the disciplines of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics

Historical Perspective: Quantitative Viewpoints

  • quantitative viewpoint: application of quantitative techniques, such as statistics and computer simulations, to management

    • includes:
    1. operations management
    2. evidence-based management
    • applies statistics, optimization models, information models, computer simulations, and other quantitative techniques to the management process

Quantitative Viewpoint: Operations Management

  • operations management: focuses on managing the production and delivery of an organizations products or services more effectively
    • concerned with:
    • work scheduling
    • production planning
    • facilities location and design
    • optimum inventory levels

Quantitative Viewpoint: Evidence-Based Management

  • evidence-based management: translating principles based on best evidence into organizational practice, and bringing rationality to the decision-making process
    • research should follow the scientific method:
    • observe events and gather facts
    • pose a possible solution or explanation based on those facts
    • make a prediction of future events
    • test the prediction under systematic conditions

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