Critically evaluate the classical and human relations approaches of management theory.
Your essay must clearly define the term “management theory” and include industry examples to illustrate your answers.

In order to define the term management theory and to critically evaluate classical and human approaches it is also important to discuss what shaped the thinking of management theory development. In seeking to define management one must also define the word theory. Theory is defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary, 9th edition, edited by Della Thompson as" a supposition or system of ideas explaining something".
On the other hand, Management definition is deemed to be broader in terms of its application. Several and well …show more content…

Some of Fayol’s principles just like Taylor underwent scrutiny and was criticized. For example his principle about individuals and groups subordinating their interest to that of the organization runs opposite to modern times where individual or group interest conflicts with that of the organization. Another criticism of Fayol’s principle was that it did not allow employees to participate in how organizations are run.
However Fayols idea of an established line of authority is evident in existing organizations of our era as in the emergency, healthcare, retailing, financial services and the armed forces.
Max Weber, on bureaucratic theory held the belief that organization should be managed impersonally and in a formal way with rules that were followed. Unlike Fayol, he saw authority as part and parcel of an individual’s position which was to be passed on to other individuals as one left. Some features that Weber thought bureaucracy must have, is also evident in modern organizations. Examples are, officials being detached from ownership of the business, competency being the mark for hiring, promotions & job assignment, impersonal relationship between managers and employees, record