Module 2.

Management
Theories in Organizational
Communication
Learning Objectives
• Identify and explain major classical, human relations, and modern
management theories (e.g., Scientific Management, Human
Relations Theory, Systems Theory, Contingency Theory).
• Analyze how different management theories shape
communication structures and practices within organizations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of management theories in addressing
contemporary organizational challenges, including motivation,
productivity, leadership, and innovation.
• Apply relevant management theories to real-world organizational
scenarios through case analysis and group discussion.
Learning activity 1: Reflection for Intro
• Think about the best manager/supervisor you have had in your
workplace or other organization.
• In what ways do you think he/she does his/her job differently?
• If you can’t think of any good manager/supervisor in your
organizational lives, please think over in what ways you want to
become a good manager? In other words, what is going to be your
focus for successful management?
Introduction to Management Theories
• Definition: Management theories are conceptual frameworks that
guide organizational structures, decision-making, leadership
styles, and communication strategies.
• Purpose: Understanding these theories helps explain how
organizations function and evolve, and how communication
supports or hinders organizational goals.
Classical Management Theory 1
• Scientific Management (Frederick Taylor)
• Core Idea: Improve productivity through scientific analysis of work
processes.
• Communication Style: Top-down, directive, task-oriented.
• Key Principles:
• Time and motion studies
• Standardization of tasks
• Clear division of labor
• Incentive systems (e.g., pay for performance)
• Critique: Ignores human and social needs; treats workers as machines.
Classical Management Theory 2
• Administrative Theory (Henri Fayol)
• Core Idea: Emphasis on the management process and principles.
• Fayol’s 14 Principles of Management: Division of work, authority and
responsibility, discipline, unity of command, etc.
• Communication Style: Formal, hierarchical.
Classical Management Theory 3
• Bureaucratic Theory (Max Weber)
• Core Idea: A rational and efficient form of organization based on rules and
hierarchy.
• Key Features:
• Clear chain of command
• Formal rules and regulations
• Impersonal relationships
• Job specialization
• Critique: Can lead to rigidity and a lack of innovation.
Human Relations and Human Resources
Theory 1
• Human Relations Theory (Elton Mayo & Hawthorne Studies)
• Core Idea: Social needs and employee well-being are critical for
productivity.
• Findings: Worker output increased when they felt valued and observed.
• Communication Style: Emphasis on interpersonal communication,
feedback, and informal networks.
Human Relations and Human Resources
Theory 2
• Human Resources Theory (Maslow, Likert, McGregor)
• Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
• Basic needs must be met before higher-level motivation (e.g., self-actualization).
• McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y:
• Theory X: People are lazy and need control.
• Theory Y: People are self-motivated and seek responsibility.
• Likert’s Management Systems:
• Exploitative-authoritative, benevolent-authoritative, consultative, participative.
• Communication Style: Open, participatory, trust-based.
Learning activity 2: Application of Human
Resources Approach
• Let’s apply it! Choose an organization/workplace.
• Suppose you are a manager. How would you create organizational
conditions to motivate employees to voice their opinions and
pursue their career development aligned with organizational
objectives?
• What communication styles work better with this management
approach?
Modern Management Theory 1
• Systems Theory
• Core Idea: Organizations are open systems interacting with their
environments.
• Key Concepts:
• Input, throughput, output
• Feedback loops
• Homeostasis
• Communication Style: Circular, adaptive, multi-directional.
Modern Management Theory 2
• Contingency Theory
• Core Idea: There is no one-size-fits-all management style.
• Implication: Management strategies must adapt to internal and external
variables (size, tech, environment).
Modern Management Theory 3
• Organizational Culture Theory
• Core Idea: Culture influences how people communicate and make
decisions.
• Elements:
• Symbols, stories, rituals, values
• Strong vs. weak cultures
• Communication Style: Cultural norms shape formal and informal
communication.
Modern Management Theory 4
• Critical Theory (Habermas, Deetz)
• Core Idea: Organizations are sites of power and control; communication
can challenge or reinforce inequalities.
• Focus: Emancipation, voice, resistance.
• Communication Style: Encourages dialogue, transparency, and employee
empowerment.
Learning activity 3
• Let’s apply management theories to analyze your organization.
• How does the organization structure reflect classical or modern
theories?
• What communication patterns emerge?
• How do management practices influence employee engagement?
Learning activity 4: Mob Job Interview
• Review the management theories with your classmates.
• Discuss and choose an organization that can match the nature of the
assigned approach (e.g., marketing/public relations, information
technology, non-profit, hospitality, education, etc.). You can choose a
specific organization you know or characterize an imaginary
organization.
• Based on the assigned approach and the nature of the business, come
up with a short mission statement of your organization.
• Imagine that your group is assigned a task to hire new employees.
Discuss what information you want to seek from the job applicants,
according to your organizational mission statement. Then, prepare a
couple of actual interview questions.