Essay: Classical Organizational Theory

Organizational Theory
Classical Organizational Theory (COT) is one of the first theories of management that emerged at the end of the 20th century. (Allaire, Firsirotu, 1984). It was the result of multiple approaches tested by professionals and philosophers to formally study and analyze management. COT is the basis of other schools of thought and theories that were still defended in the 21st century, albeit with some adaptations caused by social change. These include the scientific management approach, Weber’s bureaucratic approach and administrative theory. (Allaire, Firsirotu, 1984)
In this analysis, three types of managerial personalities are compared to determine which best represents the principles of the Organizational School of Classical Thinking.
Geraldine, Valerie and Melanie
The three management styles presented on the stage were quite different. However, the most prominent of the three, in terms of their adaptation of the TOC principles, seems to be Melanie. COT is composed of three approaches: scientific management approach, administrative theory and bureaucratic approach. (Allaire, Firsirotu, 1984) Melanie’s leadership encompasses all these concepts.
Melanie and the scientific management approach
Melanie believes in the idea that people are adequate to carry out specific tasks. Therefore, she believes that people can perform optimally if they participate in a specific task in which they can be successful, once trained. This is evidence that Melanie believes in dividing work, as Fayol (1917) would propose in his own organizational theory. After this, Melanie believes that everyone should be on board performing tasks that are relevant to the mission and vision of the group. Understanding the role of each party in the performance of objective tasks helps to analyze how things work systematically in the workplace. This is the only way to be able to predict what must be done to make the tasks even more successful. The training practices of employees to do a job, diversify work tasks and advance in times of change are consistent with the Scientific Approach. Melanie has a plan in mind, and she operates with that. The plan is to train, diversify, perform and evolve.
Melanie and administrative theory
The leadership behaviors that Melanie shows are consistent with the Administrative Theory. Proposed by Henri Fayol (1841-1825), Administrative Theory consists of dividing the many tasks that are involved in each organization, dividing the work into several specific tasks. (Fayol, 1917) This is exactly what Melanie wants to do with her employees. She wants an environment where everyone has different tasks that eventually lead to the same organizational goal.
Melanie also believes in collaboration. It allows people to share their ideas and contribute new concepts and possibilities. This allows them to “unleash their potential” and helps them feel as if they are being heard. She allows others to express their opinion without necessarily having to take the initiative. This makes her a democratic leader who does not decide authoritatively for others, but allows the opinion of all. All this is evidence that Melanie is open, flexible and very aware of the environment in which the organization operates.
The bureaucratic theory of Melanie and Weber
In addition to the Scientific Approach and Administrative Theory, Melanie’s leadership style shows evidence of Weber’s Bureaucratic Theory. However, his management style is not as dry as Weber’s theory when analyzed for the first time. Weber points out a very delineated work environment where everything that happens is strictly related to the business. (Weber, 1983)
Following this principle, Melanie also seeks a productive and focused environment, fostering healthy relationships between employees and employers that foster collaboration, communication and self-expression. In turn, your productivity levels will be comparable with your capacity, and a more detailed analysis of the production will determine if this is working.
Melanie and classical theorists
Melanie’s style is compatible with the 14 management principles proposed by Henri Fayol (1917). Even though Melanie follows a bureaucratic model, she does it without creating a great distance between employees and employers. She cares about the human value of employees and believes that most of Fayol’s principles. Those that are evident in the scenario are: a) division of labor, b) delegation of authority, c) a pleasant workplace, d) interrelation between the interests of the employees and the objectives of the group, e) team spirit and , f) order. (Wren, Bedeian, Breeze, 2012).