Discuss the classical approaches to management ?

The classical approaches to management refer to the theories and principles developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that aimed to improve organizational efficiency and productivity. These approaches are divided into three main schools of thought: scientific management, administrative management, and bureaucratic management.

1. Scientific Management: Developed by Frederick Taylor, scientific management focuses on improving efficiency through the application of scientific methods. It emphasizes the division of labor, time and motion studies, and the use of incentives to motivate workers. The key principles of scientific management include selecting the right person for the job, training workers to perform tasks efficiently, and providing appropriate tools and equipment.

2. Administrative Management: Developed by Henri Fayol, administrative management focuses on the overall management process and the functions of managers. Fayol identified five key functions of management: planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. He also introduced the principles of unity of command, division of work, scalar chain, and order.

3. Bureaucratic Management: Developed by Max Weber, bureaucratic management focuses on the formal structure and rules within an organization. Weber believed that a bureaucratic organization is the most efficient and rational way to organize work. Key characteristics of a bureaucratic organization include a clear hierarchy of authority, division of labor, formal rules and procedures, impersonal relationships, and selection and promotion based on merit.

These classical approaches to management have had a significant impact on modern management practices. They laid the foundation for the development of management theories and principles that are still relevant today. However, they have also been criticized for their mechanistic view of organizations and their neglect of human factors in the workplace.