SCHOOLS OF MANAGEMENT THOUGHT

The pattern of management has been continually changing with the changing social factors, technological factors and numerous other factors. The need for developing a theory of management became prominent during the industrial revolution in the 19^th century. Management, as a concept, has undergone countless changes in the past and is still changing frequently.

Different researchers and scholars have different perspective regarding the concept of management. These are known as Schools of Management Thought.

The main Schools of Management Thought are:

Scientific Process School
Management Process School
Social System School
Human Behaviour School
Quantitative School
Decision Theory School
Systems School
Contingency Theory School

Scientific Process School

Frederick Winslow Taylor is acknowledged as the "Father of Scientific Management". Taylor was the first to apply scientific principles and solutions to management problems. He was of the view that managers should adopt scientific and systematic approach to managerial problems.

Other major contributors are Henry L Gantt, Harrington Emerson, Frank Gilbreth, Carl Barth, Lillian Gilbreth and others.

Taylor viewed there is a science for doing each job.
He said there is ‘one best way’ to perform a task, applicable in all situations.
Notable books written by Taylor are, Principles of Scientific Management, Shop Management, Piece Rate System etc.

Techniques of Scientific Management

Scientific Task Planning – Taylor separated the functions of Planning and Doing. He was of the view that planning should be entrusted to specialists. Thus, under scientific task planning, every work is properly planned before it is undertaken.
Functional Foremanship – Functional Foremanship was developed for Supervision and Direction. Under this, Eight persons direct the activities of the workers, out of which four are related to planning and remaining four are concerned with operating. Under planning, there are Route Clerk, Instruction Card Clerk, Time and Cost Clerk, Disciplinarian while under operating/production, there are Speed Boss, Gang Boss, Repair Boss, Inspector.
Work Study – Work study is a complete analysis of the work performed so as to eliminate duplication of activities and also finding out the quicker way of performing a task. The analysis of the work is done through:
- Time Study- determines the time taken to complete a movement.
- Motion Study- Movement of both workers and machines are identified so as to eliminate unnecessary, wasteful movements.
- Fatigue Study- Shows the frequency and time of rest.
Financial Incentives- Taylor advocated for a direct link between remuneration and productivity, so as to motivate the employees. For this, Taylor introduced the Differential Piece Rate Wage System. He proposed, wages should be paid according to the individual performances and on the position which a worker occupies.
Standardisation- Taylor wanted to use only the ‘best way of doing the work’. Only then uniformity and efficiency can be ensured.
Scientific Selection, placement and training – Taylor was of the view that workers should be selected based on their experience, education and attitudes. He also said proper training should be provided so that the workers could work more efficiently.
Costing Systems – Scientific management should not only consider scientific techniques and practices but also should focus on profit and economy. For that purpose, proper cost estimates and techniques are to be adopted.
Mental Revolution- For scientific management to be successful, there should be a proper co-operation between workers and the management. If a complete mental revolution from both sides doesn’t exist, scientific management cannot be successful.

Management Process School

Henri Fayol is the Father of Management Process School. The management process school regards management as the process of getting things done through and with people operating in organised groups.
According to this school, the management process can be divided into five main functions – Planning, Organising, Staffing, Directing and Controlling.
Other main contributors are J.D. Mooney, Lyndall Urwick, Harold Koontz, William Newman etc.
Management Process approach is also called ‘Universalist Approach’, ‘Traditional Approach’, ‘Classical Approach’.

Major thoughts of this school are: