Classical Management Theory - Essay Example

ical Theory Management Introduction Fayol’s ical theory on management is primarily focused on two perspectives of management; elements of management (deals with what managers should do) principles of management (enactment of those elements). This paper analyses Fayol’s theory and its impact on the current market place.Fayol’s Classical Management Theory The elements of management as proposed by Fayol include; planning, organizing, command, co-ordination and control (Morgan 2006). The second aspect of Fayol’s classical theory focuses on the fourteen principles of management which include; unity of direction, division of labor, order, span of control, authority and responsibility, discipline, remuneration of personnel, equity, tenure stability, subordination of individual interests over general interests, initiative and Espirit de Corps (Anapkumar 2005).

Strengths Some elements of the Fayol’s theory continue to have a positive impact on the culture of a functional unit. Although the theory does not include communication as one of its element, it is implicit that both vertical and horizontal communications are considered vital to the performance of the elements of this theory. The power structure advocated for by the theory espouses optimal functionality with managers holding authority over and responsibility to employees and the later submitting to the rules and orders (Miner 2006).

Rewarding of employees within the organization through application of monetary rewards and job security boosts their work morale. The theorys insistence on human resource continues to play a crucial part in businesses successes worldwide by focusing on employees’ development. It views personnel as the essence of an organization but is attributed to the the growth of public administration. (Miner 2006) Weaknesses The theory is plagued by numerous weaknesses in dynamic market place which does not strictly adhere to the tenets of management as proposed by Fayol .

Its insistence on excessive hierarchy, rigid compliance to rules, promotion on seniority and over developed specialization cannot work in todays market place unless it is made flexible. If not, it might be a precursor to bureau morbid behavior. A consequence of this will be bloated companies and proliferation of rules which will make it harder for companies to cope with the dynamic market place. The theorys treatment of employees as economic, irrational, passive and inert beings who are a product of the means of production capable of being only motivated by means of money works against the functional in todays businesses.

(Alajloni et al 2010) It fails to recognize and appreciate the complexities of the dimension human behavior and ignores group and intergroup behavior in the the workplace which limits the culture of a functional unit in the workplace.Conclusion The classical management theory should serve as a guideline and not as the ideal structure of management practice in organizations and the rapidly changing workplace. The flaws identifiable with the theory should be subject to revision and improvement to better the management operations and procedures in all areas which will necessitate the application of such practices.

ReferenceAlajloni M.M, Almashaqba M.S.Z & Marzouq Ayed Nemer Al-Qeed N.A.M. (2010). International Research Journal of Finance and Economics:The Classical Theory of Organisation and its Relevance. EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.eurojournals.com/finance.htm Anupkumar A (2005). Principles of Management: An Analysis of the contributions of various thinkers to the field of Management, and a review of the management practices of five companies. Retrieved from http://www.

adityaanupkumar.com/files/ManagementThinkers.pdf  Miner B.J (2006). Organizational Behavior 3: Historical Origins, Theoretical Foundations, and the Future. M.E. Sharpe Publications.Morgan, G. (2006). Images of Organization. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications