UNIT -1
1. Evolution of Management
Management has developed over centuries through various
approaches and schools of thought, shaped by industrial, social,
and technological changes. The study of management
evolution helps us understand how modern practices came into
existence.
1. Pre-Scientific Management Era
Before 1880s
Based on trial-and-error, experience, and traditions rather
than systematic study.
Practices were informal, unplanned, and lacked
standardization.
Examples:
Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians (pyramids) and
Romans (military administration) applied basic
management principles.
Family-owned businesses or crafts were managed without
formal methods.
2. Classical Management Theories (1880–1930s)
Focused on improving efficiency and productivity during the
Industrial Revolution.
Divided into three main schools:
(a) Scientific Management (F.W. Taylor – 1911)
Emphasized time and motion studies, standardization of
work, and division of labor.
Workers should be selected scientifically and trained.
Incentives motivate workers.
Example: Assembly line production in factories.
Key Contributors:
F.W. Taylor – “Father of Scientific Management”
Frank & Lillian Gilbreth – Motion studies
Henry Gantt – Gantt charts for scheduling
(b) Administrative Management (Henri Fayol – 1916)
Focused on the functions of management (planning,
organizing, commanding, coordinating, controlling).
Introduced 14 Principles of Management (e.g., Unity of
Command, Scalar Chain, Division of Work).
Example: Organizational hierarchy in a company.
(c) Bureaucratic Management (Max Weber)
Emphasized rules, hierarchy, and authority for efficiency.
Features:
o Formal structure
o Clear division of labor
o Impersonality in decision-making
Example: Government departments and large corporations.
3. Neo-Classical Theories (1930s–1950s)
Focus shifted from structure and efficiency to people and
human relations.
(a) Human Relations Approach
Elton Mayo’s Hawthorne Studies: Productivity improves
when employees feel valued.
Importance of teamwork, motivation, leadership, and
communication.
(b) Behavioral Science Approach
Applied psychology, sociology, and anthropology to
management.
Contributors: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, McGregor’s
Theory X and Theory Y, Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene
theory.
Example: Companies introducing employee welfare schemes
and team-building activities.
4. Modern Management Theories (1950s – Present)
(a) Quantitative / Management Science Approach
Uses mathematical models, statistics, and operations
research.
Helps in decision-making, inventory control, scheduling.
Example: Airlines using models for ticket pricing.
(b) Systems Approach
Organization viewed as an open system with inputs,
processes, outputs, and feedback.
Stresses interdependence of departments.
Example: Marketing, finance, HR all contribute to product
success.
(c) Contingency Approach
“No one best way of management.”
Techniques depend on situational factors like environment,
technology, size of organization.
Example: A start-up uses flexible structures; large firms
follow formal rules.
(d) Contemporary Approaches
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Learning Organizations
Knowledge Management
Technology-driven management (AI, Big Data, Digital
Transformation)
✅ Key Points for Quick Revision
Pre-scientific era – traditional, trial-and-error.
Classical – focus on efficiency & structure (Taylor, Fayol,
Weber).
Neo-classical – focus on people & behavior (Mayo,
Maslow).
Modern – focus on systems, science, and adaptability.
Current trends – TQM, knowledge & technology-driven
management.
2.