TOP 7 THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO MANAGEMENT - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The main theoretical approaches to administration have arisen as a result of the social context in which we live, so for their formulation, economic, social, technological and cultural factors were taken into account in search of an application according to the moment.

The theoretical approaches to administration are conceived according to how human beings have responded to the events that have occurred at certain moments in history.

In this sense, it can be said that they arise as a consequence of social and economic needs, produced by the accelerated technological development that occurred at the beginning of the 20th century as a consequence of the industrial revolution, since it caused productivity and competitiveness to rise., which produced an impact not only on the economy but also on society.

At present there are various theoretical approaches to management, among which are: the scientific theory of management, the classical theory of management, the theory of human relations, the scientific theory of behavior, the theory of systems, bureaucratic theory, among others.

Main Theoretical Approaches to Management

The Scientific Theory of Management

The theory of scientific management emerged in the late nineteenth century with the aim of making management a discipline based on both experience and principles.

So a rational method was developed to solve the problems present within a company, focusing on the design of the work, the performance of the worker and the scientific method.

This approach gave importance only to the economic aspect, focusing on productivity and competitiveness, it motivated the development of the worker but only in economic matters, since it considers that he only works for money, leaving aside other needs of the worker since he does not took into account job satisfaction.

The scientific theory of management, had as its main exponent Frederick Taylor, who specified that increased productivity was achieved with greater efficiency in production and the application of the scientific method.

According to its postulates, productivity depends on the effectiveness and efficiency of individual and organizational performance.

Efficiency consists in achieving the objectives and efficiency in obtaining them with the least amount of resources.

The classical theory of management

The classical theory of administration, also called "traditional" focuses on identifying administrative functions and establishing administrative principles.

It specifies that the functions and principles are universal, at the same time that it establishes that the principles of administration are intangible and affect administrative conduct.

This theory seeks to increase the efficiency of the organization through its structure, the shape and arrangement of the organs that make it up and their structural interrelationships.

The main representative of the classical theory of administration was Henry Fayol, who established the functions that should be carried out within any organization, which are:

1-Technical functions.

2-Financial functions.

3- Security functions.

4-Administrative functions.

5-Commercial Function.

6-Management Function.

1-Division of labor.

2-Authority.

3-Discipline.

4-Unity of command.

5-Unity of direction.

6-Subordination of the particular interest to the general interest.

7-Staff remuneration.

8-Centralization.

9-Hierarchy.

10-Staff stability.

11- Initiative

12-Staff union

13- Order.

14-Equity.

The theory of human relations

The theory of human relations, has as main representatives Mary Parker Follet and Chester Barnard, who followed the classical theory of administration fundamental aspects and added new elements.

For her part, Mary Parker Follet, focused on the need for participatory leadership and joint work in decision-making and problem solving between managers and workers.

He pointed out that the scientific method could be used to solve human problems.

Chester Barnard specified that the efficiency of a company depended on the balance between the goals of the company with the individual objectives and needs of the worker, so it was necessary for workers to accept the authority of management.

The scientific theory of behavior

This approach, also called Theory of Needs and Motivations, specifies that organizations must adapt to the needs of individuals, since the human factor is decisive for the achievement of the company's objectives.

Its main representative was Abraham Maslow, who pointed out that human needs are structured in a hierarchy, where the upper part of it includes needs for ego and self-realization and the lower needs have to do with survival.

Therefore the lower needs must be satisfied in order to satisfy the higher needs.

This approach suggests that organizations must ensure that they satisfy some needs first (salary needs) before satisfying before another that follows in the hierarchy.

Systems theory

This approach sees the organization as a system formed by other subsystems that are interrelated, taking into account both the internal aspect and the environment of the organization.

Systems theory is characterized and defined as a system made up of its parts, which in turn interact with each other, so that variations in one of its parts affect all the others, not always in the same way and magnitude.

Systems Theory has three fundamental premises:

1-Systems exist within systems.

2-The systems are open.

3-The functions of a system depend on its structure.

Bureaucratic theory

The bureaucratic theory of administration, emerged in 1940, seeking to present a global approach, standing out for opposing both the classical theory and the theory of human relations.

Therefore this approach is characterized by the rejection of universal principles of management.

Other Theoretical Approaches to Management

Currently there are other theoretical approaches to management, among which stand out: Theory Z, the Total Quality approach, the Theory of Contingency and Organizational Development.

References

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2. Administrative theory, retrieved on July 31, 2017, from encyclopedia.com
3. Administrative Management: Fayol's Principles, retrieved on July 31, 2017, from boundless.com
4. Henri Fayol's Principles of Management, retrieved on July 31, 2017, from com
5. Administrative Management Theory Definition, retrieved on July 31, 2017, from com
6. Administrative theory, retrieved on July 31, 2017, from slideshare.net.