Answer to Test Yourself on Management Viewpoints and Theories (Continued)

5.         Describe Frederick W. Taylor’s contributions to scientific management?

            Frederick Taylor defined four principles of management—develop a science for each element of an individual’s work; scientifically select, train, teach, and develop each worker; cooperate with workers to ensure that all work is done in accordance with the principles of science; and divide work and responsibility almost equally between management and workers.

6.         Explain Frank and Lillian Gilbreth’s contributions to scientific management?

            Frank and Lillian Gilbreth studied work arrangements to eliminate wasteful hand and body motions. They also experimented with the design and use of proper tools and equipment for optimizing work performance.

7.         Describe Fayol’s principles of management and how they compare with Taylor’s?

            Henri Fayol’s principles of management were division of work, authority, discipline, unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of individual interests, remuneration, centralization, scalar chain, order, equity, stability of tenure of personnel, initiative, and esprit de corps. In contrast to Taylor’s principles, Fayol’s focused on the entire organization and not just the individual worker.

8.         What did Weber contribution to the general administrative theories of management?

            Max Weber described an ideal type of organization called a bureaucracy, characterized by division of labor, a clearly defined hierarchy, detailed rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships. Rules and controls were to be applied uniformly, avoiding involvement with individual personalities and preferences of employees.

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