Management Theory

Management Theory

Felicia Drakeford

MT140 Introduction to Management

March 11, 2012

Professor Jeresa Smith

Management Theory

There are several different approaches to management. As time marches on, management styles continue to evolve. Those in leadership roles have learned much from the classical approach, the systems approach and the contingency approach. All of these strategies are important, but the one that seems to most fit our modern society is the systems style.

The classical approach to management places a lot of emphasis on a manager. In addition, this management style also emphasizes the equipment and strategies that will help employees complete their work in a timely and efficient manner. The systems approach to management considers the common goal that all parts of a company work to meet a goal. This management style also acknowledges that good social relationships in the workplace lead to better output. The contingency approach to management focuses on identifying and scrutinizing the causes and effects of management decisions.

Each of these management approaches has similarities and differences. For example, they all include an aspect of the role of management. The amount of emphasis placed on managerial roles, however, is where they differ. The classical approach appears to place the most emphasis on management’s role, while the systems approach appears to place the least amount of emphasis on management. In addition, each approach offers an in-depth look at production. Classical management theories presuppose that employees work for the sole purpose of making money. In contrast, the systems approach concludes that output is increased when employees have solid social relationships with their co-workers. The contingency approach appears to have grown from the systems approach, so it holds some similar beliefs.

As it makes the effort to look at how...