Management Style in Business

Management Styles in Business

Management can be described as “getting things done through people”. This means that there must be a manager to control and motivate people to achieve the desired results. While there are many different styles of managers and management techniques; management theories describe certain behaviors that are prominent for achieving the goals of the business. The four main management theories are classic-scientific, behavioral, political and contingency. These all have various styles, outcomes and have many similarities and differences when put into practice in a business environment.

The classic-scientific theories of management were developed in the early 1900’s with Frederick Taylor being the most prominent proponent of this theory. The majority of the workforce was inexperienced and uneducated so they had little managing experience. Democracy was not fully developed so as a result most owners and managers ruled with an “iron hand” and rarely consulted employees. Though from these roots many different management techniques and styles sprouted which would form the basis of management today. These include hierarchical structure of organization, division of Labor, and autocratic and authority styles of management.

Hierarchical structure of organization is the tradition form of organizing a business. This can be best displayed in a shape of a pyramid, with the owner, CEO or Board of Directors at the top. This top level of management is concerned with planning organizing and controlling. They are usually required to develop long and short term strategic plans to achieve the business objectives. They are also responsible for any change to the business such as a change in the prime function or introduction of a new product line. The second stage is the middle management which coordinates the activities of supervisors. It prepares policies and plans, and has the responsibility for its budgets and for appointing new employees. At the third...