There are many different ways that people can improve their work and succeed in the sphere of management. Some people like to study and use management theories developed by professional theorists and writers, and some people want to rely on their personal observations and ideas. The latter believe that the study of theories is simply a waste of time, and that the majority of the ideas are old-fashioned, out-of-date and cannot meet the needs and expectations of the current world of business.
In fact, the development of management theory is itself a matter of dispute. For example, in some sources, the modern history of management theory is traced to the Industrial Revolution of the 1850s (Adetule 2011). In fact, a number of people argue about the nature of the development of management theories. Those researchers and theorists, who define the theories not as an absolute scale, but as a relative scale under which even old ideas could be identified as new—just in a different context, prove the importance of theories in the sphere of business management. By contrast, those writers who support the idea of development and innovation resist the idea of using old theories.
In this paper, the value of management theories and the timeline of their theoretical development will be evaluated to determine if a relative or absolute scale can be used in business. Each theory in management has its own purposes and functions, and it may be difficult to understand which is the best option to rely on, in general. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a particular situation and investigate which theory is more appropriate and more effective for the achievement of set goals.
For example, the administrative management theory focuses on the identification of relevant information about the needs and the possibilities of a company. As a rule, information identified in a timely manner helps to manage the organisational processes and the work of people in the best possible way (Ferreira, Erasmus & Groenewald 2010). The classical organisational theory developed by Taylor holds that more attention should be paid to a systematic analysis of people, their comprehension of tasks, and behaviour chosen (Richardson 2014). This can be defined as relevant in an emerging economy today; still, it cannot be defined as absolute.
The bureaucratic policies developed by Weber underline the role of customers, and show that the majority of employees’ obligations and duties can be changed in response to the needs of customers and the necessity to satisfy consumers’ needs at any cost (Barrett 2012). It can be placed between the relative and absolute scale. Finally, there was Elton Mayo, whose analysis of management and human relations helped to clarify the essence of organisational processes, and connected management with motivation, human needs, and available resources (Montana & Charnov 2008).
This theory may be defined as absolute in its intentions to improve the existing business market. Each theory has its characteristics and impact on the business market. The more theories are investigated and compared, the better results in the timeline of the development of the management theories analysis can be achieved.
The administrative management theory, the human relations theory, and several organisational environment theories such as the open system theory, the classical and neo-classical theories, contingency theory, and systems theory will be used to understand management science, clarify their relationship to the modern world of business, and identify the standards and goals, with the help of which, planning, organising, leading and controlling are possible (Bagad 2008).
In general, the evaluation of the current business market and its relation to various management theories turns out to be a significant contribution to the world of business and the ways people try to organise and improve their activities. The examination of management science is possible at different levels, and it is important to cover all details, to identify effective approaches specific to particular business situations.
Each theory is the collection of interesting and credible ideas. However, today, not all companies are eager to follow the same path of development. Therefore, one company can succeed using the ideas put forth in the administrative theory, and another company may use the lessons developed by Webber, who believed in the power of customers. Regarding the possible impacts of these theories and their development, it is wrong to believe that old ideas have to be discarded.
At the very least, they help in understanding how the world of business was created and improved with time. Management theories are basics that cannot be neglected, because even if new ideas and intentions are chosen, there is common ground to be found, usually similar for all business participants. As a parallel, one might consider the rules of language usage. All people speak and write according to spelling and grammar rules that were created centuries ago.
Still, the majority of the rules are untouchable and crucial, both for theorists and ordinary people. Almost the same situation may be observed in the world of business. It is wrong to believe that some management theories are a waste of time. They are significant contributions in themselves, the consideration of which helps to create powerful and successful organisations, services, and products.
Reference List
Adetule, PJ 2011, The handbook on management theories, Author House, Bloomington.
Bagad, VS 2008, Management science, Technical Publications, Pune, India.
Barrett, IR 2012, Administration and management theory and techniques: a guide for practising managers, Author House, Bloomington.
Ferreira, EJ, Erasmus, AW & Groenewald, D 2010, Administrative management, Juta Academic, Cape Town.
Montana, PJ & Charnov, BH 2008, Management, Barron’s Educational Series, New York.
Richardson, GL 2014, Project management theory and practice, CRC Press, New York.