Management and Organisational Theory

What this unit covers

The unit follows how ideas about managing organisations have developed. Many of the mind maps trace the classical approach, the behavioural approach and the contingency view. The map called Management Theory sets out the Classical Approach, the Behavioural Approach and General Administrative Theory. It also covers Scientific Management Theory by Frederick W. Taylor.

Other maps look at how organisations relate to the world around them. Organization Environment Theory studies how managers handle relationships with the external environment, and touches on open systems theory.

Where to start

1. Open Organisational Theory for a quick view of the classical approach, the human relations approach and contingency theory.
2. Move to EVOLUTION OF MANAGEMENT or Evolution of Management. The second one begins with job specialisation and the division of labour, with Adam Smith.
3. Look at Taylor in more detail with FW. Taylor and Scientific Management, then the flashcards called Taylorism.
4. Finish with systems thinking, using General Systems Theory and GENERAL THEORY OF SYSTEMS (GTS).

Using maps and quizzes together

Read a map first and say each branch aloud without looking. Then try a quiz on the same theme. CLASSICAL MANAGEMENT, RELEVANCE OF SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT and HUMAN RELATIONS SCHOOL + HAWTHORNE STUDIES match the main schools well. Go back to the map for any answer you missed.

Some resources are in Spanish, such as the flashcards on the history of administration. Notes such as 21st Century Management and Evolution of Managerial Role give a wider view.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the strand Principles and Theory of Management, within the subject Business administration and management (incl. project management). Teachers can pick maps and decks to set as reading or revision tasks.

Choose one school of thought today, open its map and see what you can recall.