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Scientific Management Theory
In the early 20th century, Frederick W. Taylor founded the theory of scientific management by studying the relationships between people and tasks and how these relationships can be redesigned for greater efficiency (Jones, 2014). -
Fayol's Principles of Management
Henri Fayol focused his studies on the theory of administrative management at the turn of the 20th century, creating 14 principles he deemed essential to increase the efficiency of the management process (Jones, 2014). -
Theory of Bureaucracy
Max Weber developed the principles of bureaucracy at the turn of the 20th century. These principles were a formal system of organization and administration that were designed to make organizations more efficient and effective. HIs five principles focus on authority, rank/position, and clear definition of rules and standard operating procedures (Jones, 2014). -
Andrew Carnegie
Born in 1835, Andrew Carnegie has become a household name. A self made businessman, Carnegie managed to completely change the way steel was manufactured- changing the industrial sector. By 1900, Carnegie had all but eliminated his competition because he was able to produce at such low costs. However, the low cost of steel came at a price- his employees were expected to work long hours, six days a week, and at the lowest possible wage (Jones, 2014). -
Ford Motor Production
From 1908 to 1914, the Ford Motor Company created the moving conveyor belt- forever changing the manufacturing process. By doing so, they were adhering to Taylor's theory of scientific management to increase efficiency (Jones, 2014). -
The Mother of Management Thought
Mary Parker Follett has done much for the theory of behavioral management. She focused on how managers should behave in order to motivate employees and encourage them to perform at higher levels to achieve the goals of the organization. While her ideas were radical at the time, they are recognized and appreciated in the business community today (Jones, 2014). -
The Hawthorne Experiments
A series of studies was conducted from 1924 to 1932 at the Hawthorne Works of the Western Electric Company. While the original focus was different, the study comcluded that the employee's attitudes towards their managers affected the overall level of the employee's performance. So a more favorable atiitude meant a higher performance level (Jones, 2014). -
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie first published his book How to Win Friends and Influence People. Although this book is many years old, it still remains incredibly popular and useful today in the business world (Walsh, 2014). -
Fair Labor Standards Act
The Fair Labor Standards Act affects most people in public and private employment. It requires employers to pay at least the federal minimum wage and overtime pay of one-and-a-half times the regular rate. It also affects the number of hours that minors can work. Setting standards and requirements for pay greatly affects management decisions- such as whether to outsource, how many people to have on the payroll, etc (Compliance Assistance). -
The Functions of the Executive
Chetster Barnard publishes The Functions of the Executive. In this book, Barnard analyzes the best ways to lead an organization. He argues against top-down edicts in favor of eliciting cooperation (Sibbet, 1997). -
Management Science Theory
This theory is an approach to management that uses quantitative techniques to help managers make maximum use of organizational resources. The four branches of this theory include: quantitative management, operations management, total quality management (TQM), and management information systems. -
Theory X and Theory Y
In 1960, Douglas McGregor illustrated how manager's attitudes and behaviors at work affect not only how they think, but also how they behave in organizations. For example, if a manager believes emplyees are lazy and need constant supervision (Theory X), their actions will reflect that, which doesn't do much for employee morale or production (Jones, 2014). -
Contingency Theory
A part of the Theory of Organizational Environment, Contingency Theory was developed by Tom Burns and G.M. Stalker in Britain and Paul Lawrence and Jay Lorsch in the United States. This theory states that there is no best way to organize- it is all contingent on the characteristics of the external environment in which the organization operates (Jones, 2014). -
The Open-Systems View
Part of the Theory of Organizational Environment, the Open-Systems View was developed by Daniel Katz, Robert Kahn, and James Thompson. These theorists viewed the organization as an open system- a system that takes in resources from the external environment and turns them into goods and services which are then sent back into the environment to be purchased by customers (Jones, 2014). -
Microsoft
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975. While some may say that Gates was simply in the right place at the right time, it would be a serious disservice to write him off as such. Gates has proven to be not only an amazing entrepreneur, but an impressive manager as well. (Cusumano, 2009). It's no wonder that with his great success so many people would want to research his management practices. -
The One Minute Manager
Ken Blanchard first published his book The One Minute Manager in 1982, which has gone on to sell millions of copies in 25 different languages. It still makes many best-seller lists for business managment books (Rosner, 2000). -
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen Covey wrote his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People in 1989. His book has sold 20 million copies and has been translated into 38 languages worldwide. His ideas have sparked an interest in millions of people worldwide, one of whom was former President Bill Clinton. In fact, President Clinton was so impressed by his work that he invited Covey to Camp David to ask him how to integrate his teachings into Clinton's presidency (Walsh, 2014). -
Death of Peter Drucker
Peter Drucker is known for his enormous influence on management and in the field of business in general. He wrote countless articles, 39 books, and predicted many developments of the late 20th century- including Japan's rise to economic world power (Peter Drucker's Life). -
Death of Steve Jobs
The death of Steve Jobs shook the business world along with the media. As cynical as it may seem, people often become more famous and widely recognized when they pass on, and the same thing could be said in this case. Since his death, many books have emerged studying the innovation and management style of Jobs, exploring the techniques he used and advice he gave in hopes of achieving similar success. -
Richard Branson
Richard Branson announced that he would be giving his personal staff of almost 200 people "unlimited vacation days" (Frizell, 2014). This sort of management style is typical of Branson, who focuses on the health and happiness of his employees as a means of achieving a productive, innovative workplace environment. While this type of management style seems to be rare, it has worked favorably for Branson and his success through the years.
