Taylor (1917) - (Booth, 1993)

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Classical Management Theory - Taylorism (1917): Scientific Management

During times of uncertainty, people look for order. A crisis in the US was occurring at this time, where management was poor and inefficient and employee morale was low, as they believe their jobs would be lost if their productivity increased. There was enormous tension between management and employees.

In 1917, Taylor devised the concept of “scientific” management. The aim was to increase efficiency and maintain harmony between managers and employees, by specifying their roles. Everything was scientifically measured and evaluated. This even applied to the recruitment methods. Respect for management was restored from a new awareness that if the managers were scientifically chosen then they must be good.

This system only works in a stable environment, in which change occurs in a predictable way. It is difficult to apply in companies where job roles are difficult to define or in a turbulent environment.

This “one best way” approach became useless in the 1960s, where it became necessary to be more flexible and consider multiple alternative approaches to action.

Classical Management Theory - Fayol (1963): Administrative Management

Content Theory - Kreitner (1986)

Content Theory - Deming (1984): Quality

Deming's points of management continued