Org Theory Neoclassical Theory Flashcards
(25 cards)
one person majorly associated with neoclassical theory
elton mayo
neoclassical theory was a modification of classical theory in realizing the fact that management exists in a ___ ___ wherein ____ ___ have cognizant roles to perform. _____ play a critical role in the decision making process
management exists in a social environment wherein human factors have cognizant roles to perform. employees play a critical role in the decision making process
neoclassical theories agree with the merits of classical theory, but give more importance to ____ and ____. they criticise the ___ ____ approach to classical management
neoclassical gives importance to HR and psychology, they criticize the hard, scientific approach to classical management
the new breakthrough of neoclassical theory was that humans are ___ ___, and they will work better if they can ____
humans are social animals and they will work better if they can socialize
the birth of HR
scientific management was only interested in productivity
elton mayo was a ___ by trade
psychologist
he is called the father of motivation and morale
he supported frederick taylor’s idea that employees are motivated by pay, but he also said they were motivated by something else
proposed idea that people felt pride in belonging to a group
what was the hawthorne experiment and what was mayo’s original prediction
mayo separated workers into teams with the aim of investigating physical factors on motivation and productivity
his original prediction was the motivation and productivity would decrease as working conditions became worse, but this experiment proved him wrong
who is responsible for the hawthorne experiment
elton mayo
two findings of the hawthorne experiment
the experimenter effect: making changes was interpreted by workers as a sign that management cared, and provided mental stimulation that was good for morale and productivity
the social effect: it seemed that by being separated from the rest and being given special treatment, the experimentees developed a certain bond and camaraderie that also increased productivity
what was the second phase of mayo’s hawthorne experiment
the bank wiring room, which he used to study social effects
- employees had to assemble telephone switching equipment, they received special attention and treatment in performing their work
- three tasks: wiring, soldering, experimentation
- employees were strangers and put in special room together given instructions regarding the three processes
- it took 3 weeks for normal social behavior to resume
ultimate conclusion of mayo’s hawthorne experiment
- it is social, not physical, factors that boost productivity and motivation
- in first phase, the light had no significant impact on productivity of workers
- in bank room, the informal group revealed that employees were not only economic beings but also social and psychological beings
- special treatment and attention caused employees to increase productivity
the Hawthorne Effect: people take pride in belonging to a group
conclusion: efficiency and productivity could increase if the attitudes of employees were well regarded
what is the hawthorne efefct
there exists a positive relationship between the amount of attention employees receive and their productivity
his experiment provided data for this but its criticized for being exaggerated
Human relations school of thought (within neoclassical theory, driven by mayo)
- encourages positive workplace relationships
- considers the individual needs and wellbeing of employees
- social factors increase employee morale, retention, motivation, and productivity
this has also faced criticism
- primarily based on the outcome of the hawthorne experiment, which may have been unscientific in its design and lacking sufficient supporting evidence
- ignores the potential impact of conflict
- oversimplifies human behavior, satisfied workers does not automatically mean productive workers, other factors that contribute to the workplace are overlooked by mayo
the behavioral science theory (within neoclassical theory) background
- believes in interpersonal relations
- maslow’s hierarchy of needs, McGregor’s theory X and Y, Frederick Herzberg’s two factor theory
- unlike beliefs of pure classical theory, behavioral science believes that human beings like work but it should not be superimposed and should instead be self-realized
basic premises of behavioral science theory (within neoclassical theory)
- people enjoy work fundamentally
- people believe in self-discretion and self-control
- people are interested In their own jobs and creativity in a healthy, safe, congenial environment
- people consider themselves to be important and like to be treated that way
- people like the opportunity to contribute suggestions and be welcomed/encouraged by supervisors
6 contributions of neoclassical theory behavioral factors to organizational theory
- individual behavior
- group behavior
- task (emphasis on coordinated activities, grouping work)
- participative management (employees have right to take part in management decisions, this will increase productivity)
- motivation
- communication (two-way and group communication)
theory X is ___
theory Y is ___
theory Z is ___
theory x–autocratic
theory y–democratic
theory z–
what did mcgregor think of theory x (autocratic)
it was old-fashioned, out of date, an artifact of pre and early industrial management
theory x assumes that people work…
people work only because they have to, will do as little as they can to make money and don’t want to think for themselves
assumes worker needs to be compelled to do the job they are paid for
workers will needs strong motivation to do something *ex. promise of reward or threat of punishment
TAYLORISTIC
theory y assumes what about people’s feelings on work
while people may prefer not to come to work, they still want to do well, do their best, and bring passion and creativity to jobs
assumes workers see work as part of their lives and will work hard if given responsibility and recognition
workers are motivated by the opportunity to be created and have initiative
MAYO
what did mcgregor think about theory y (democratic)
he thought it was better fit for modern times than theory x. it brings workers intelligence and enthusiasm into the picture
theory z is based on ___
teaming
democratic in nature with team making the final decision
who is responsible for theory z
william ouchi
theory z is modeled after what countries management styles, and what does this mean for it
modeled after japanese management styles
- paternalistic in some ways, offering framework and structure for employees to work in but giving respect to those employees
theory z assumes what about peoples attitude towards work
assumes that people want a long term career, want to believe in what they do, want to be lead wit ha clear sense of purpose
the boss still has to convince people of the benefit of the work that they are putting in, and that the organization cares for them and they will be rewarded for the work that they do
