Khen White WednesdayDec 1 at 7:07pmManage Discussion Entry Evolution of Management Theory Management theories have developed from an emphasis on power and structure to a focus on employees. Although...

Khen White

Evolution of Management Theory

Management theories have developed from an emphasis on power and structure to a focus on employees. Although there are still some opposing views about what motivates employees, understanding how the theories arrive at differing results can help managers understand their people better. Managers have built management styles precisely adapted to current situations because of the evolution of management ideas from classical to contemporary models.

Management has evolved from classical theory to neoclassical theory to the bureaucratic model. Management theory, which emphasized work instructions, standardization of diverse jobs, and division of labor among workers, dominated the classical period. The growth of large-scale firms and the industrial revolution coincided with the evolution of management theory during the classical period (Kinicki & Williams, XXXXXXXXXXConsequently, the neo-classical theory refined and updated classical theory by emphasizing workplace employee relationships. The bureaucratic model, championed by Max Weber, heralded a new era of administration characterized by a set of norms and labor divisions based on functional specialization (Kinicki & Williams, XXXXXXXXXXIt also introduced legal authority, power, a structure of authority, and employee placement according to technical ability and skills possessed to keep up with the changing nature of work and business.

Management has evolved to a big-picture model in which managers perform various tasks. The approach mirrors the current management philosophy, which emphasizes managers' ability to lead through action and cognition while managing people (Powers, XXXXXXXXXXThe concept of control is also prevalent, as seen by the notion that managers are supposed to align people and resources with the plans. Managers are obliged to implement plans that are likely to have big impacts on a business and its people; hence, execution is also an important function in contemporary management theory.

Management ideas have evolved from classical to neo-classical to behavioral, and they can now be applied to today's complex scenarios. A contingency approach is a modern management concept that emphasizes the interaction between management practices and unique conditions. How people manage in today's world varies depending on the situation. Varied management styles are adapted to meet different organizational needs, resource availability, and employee attitudes in the modern day.

References

Kinicki, A., & Williams, B. (2018).Management: A practical introduction. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

Powers, E XXXXXXXXXXInnovating our thinking about management: A new model.Advanced Management Journal, 79(1), 40-47.

Gina Hernez-Broome

Hi Marcus,

Thanks for your post. The readings for this assignment covered a lot of history about the evolution of management theory and practice. You've touched on the evolution and briefly described a few theories. I'd like to see more detail and analysis in terms of the implications of the evolution. How have models and theories of management changed over time? What do the various stages of evolution say about our views of work, organizations, and how employees should be viewed? You'll find the Kinicki and Williams XXXXXXXXXXuseful to answer these questions.

Best,