Management

School of Management Thought.

It refers to the various approaches developed over time to time on managerial analysis.

Each school tries to explain the nature and content of management, but with different belief, view and formats

Different authors have categorized the schools into different groups.

Stogdill into 18 groups Koontz, O’ Donnell into 11 approaches.

So there is neither unanimity over the number of approaches nor clarity about what a particular approach suggests.

This situation is called as Management Theory Jungle by Koontz.

Empirical Approach Also known as Case Approach or

Management Experience Approach Management is considered as a study of

managers in practice. Study successful managers experiences Attempts to duplicate by drawing general

conclusions.

Human Behaviour Approach Also known as human relations / leadership

/ behavioural science approach Management is getting things done through

others, managers should understand human behaviour.

Emphasis greater productivity through motivation and good human relations.

Social Systems Approach Organization is a cultural system

composed of people who work in cooperation.

Social relationship exist between the members of the organization

Cooperation among group members is necessary for the achievement of organizational objectives.

Socio -Technical systems Approach

An organization is a combination of Social system – system governed by social

laws Technical system – consisting of

technological forces like physical setting of work, rules , procedures etc

Any change in one of the systems must be made in consideration with the other only.

Decision theory Approach Management is a decision making function Managers of the organization are rational

decision makers and problem solvers. Quality of decisions affect the

organizational effectiveness.

Systems Approach A system - An assemblage of things

connected or interrelated so as to form a complex unit which is wholly composed of parts and subparts which is orderly arranged.

Management acts as different systemsSocial system Dynamic system Open system Adaptive system

Contingency Approach Otherwise known as Situational Approach. There cannot be a particular management

action which is suitable for all situations. It emphasis that the action for a problem /

cause should be in accordance with the analysis of external environment.

Management Science Approach Also known as Mathematical or

Quantitative Measurement Approach Management is regarded as a problem

solving mechanism, with the help of mathematical tools and technique.

Management can be described in terms of mathematical symbols and data.