Impact of Classical Management Theory on Today's Organizations

This report examines the classical school of management, focusing on the assumptions underlying its principles and their relevance in contemporary organizational contexts. It discusses the contributions of key figures like Max Weber, Follett, and Barnard, highlighting their emphasis on bureaucratic structures, positive working relationships, and employee productivity. The report analyzes how these assumptions, such as the importance of management authority, teamwork, and worker efficiency, are applied in today's business environment. It references specific examples and organizational practices to illustrate the ongoing influence of classical management principles. The report also underscores the importance of employee well-being and motivation as critical factors in organizational development and success, emphasizing the continued relevance of these foundational ideas in modern business strategies.

Running Head: ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY 1
Organizational Theory
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Institution
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Organizational theory
Question
What are some of the assumptions that underlie the Classical School of Management (sometimes
called the rational view of organizing)? Do these assumptions apply in today’s organizations and
global business environment? Why/why not?
Discussion
Bureaucratic organizational management. According to Max Weber, a functional
organization is composed of different people who are either managers or employees, as a result,
a strict form of regulation should be enhanced (Weber,2009). Starting from management who are
the holders of organization authority, their roles and strategies to follow while leading other
employees should be clearly stipulated as well as that of employees to help reduce conflicts and
enhance productivity at workplace. He argued this and completed by stating that every manager
has the power to control and ensuring employee’s performance assessment is always clearly
observed.
This assumption has been applied in today’s business global environment as well as in
organizations because managers have power and authority to control the employees. The level of
employee performance is usually observed and recorded as those that are discovered not to be
relevant are required to resign.
Positive management relationship and teamwork. According to Follett, positive working
relationship between the management and the workers enhanced a positive working
environment. Sharing of ideas as a team is important to help develop a great development idea
for an organization. This assumption has been applied in today’s organizations and business
global context because the level of organizational development is measured by level of

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productivity of employees as well as the management. This influences a positive working
environment for both sides as they work together to give the best.
Organizational development is enhanced by workers efficiency. According to Barnard,
every organizations rate of development is valued in terms of workers ability to produce towards
the set goals. He said that organizations should not be lured too much on making profits
forgetting the well-being of their employees (Shafritz, Ott & Jang, 2015). This assumption has
been applied in today’s organizations and business context globally because, employers work
hard to track every employees performance. The employers also ensure they lay motivation
strategies to enhance employee productivity important for organizational development. Example,
give valuable salaries, bonuses, free loans, free holiday among others.

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References
Shafritz, J. M., Ott, J. S., & Jang, Y. S. (2015). Classics of organization theory. Cengage
Learning.
Weber, M. (2009). From Max Weber: essays in sociology. Routledge.