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