communication and management theory understanding the connections

Communication and Management TheoryUnderstanding the Connections

Prof. Nick Burnett, ComS 103, Sec. 11-18, F'07

Why Study Management Theories or Paradigms? They form the basis of how managers

manage Mgmt. theories are theories of human

behavior Mgmt. theories are enacted by and through

communication Mgmt. theories are sometimes difficult to

decipher


Classical Management Theories Frederick Taylor--Scientific Management Henri Fayol--General Management Theory Max Weber--Bureaucratic Theory


Four Principles of Taylorism or Scientific Management There is one best way to perform a task

(use science and time/motion studies) Select your personnel scientifically Compensation is based on work output Strict division of labor--”Managers plan the

work, workers work the plan”


Fayol’s Management Theory

Fayol’s background and training Key Concepts

Division of workUnity of commandSubordination of individual interestsEsprit de corpsCentralization


Weber’s Work on Bureaucracy

Remember what Weber is reacting to… Clear system of authority Complete, written rules and regulations Organizational relationships stay impersonal Selection and promotion based solely on

technical competence Contemporary civil service systems


Communication and Classical Management Theories Driven by managerial authority Believes people are rational, economic

actors Emphasizes the machine metaphor,

workers are merely cogs Communication is top-down, authority is

tied to position


Human Relations Movement

Led by Roethlisberger and Mayo of Harvard University

Hawthorne Studies--Western Electric Co.The Illumination StudiesThe Relay Assembly Room StudiesThe Interview Program

The Findings


Implications of the Hawthorne Studies Wake up call for social scientists Beginnings of people oriented mgmt. Participation=increased morale=

increased productivity=increased

managerial control Managers must forge a relationship with

employees facilitating upward and downward communication


Human Resources Movement MacGregor’s TheoryX/Theory Y Theory X

Dislike workNeed to be coercedPrefer directionDesires security

above all else

Theory YWork is naturalCoercion is wrongSelf-Actualization is

the keyPeople will seek

responsibility


Communication and Human Relations Messages travel up, down, and across an

organization Decision making is spread throughout an

organization Build an atmosphere of trust and

confidence in employees Decreased levels of managerial control


Systems Theory and Organizational Theory Ludwig von Bertalanfy--biologist The organization as organism Systems integration is key insight Communication networks are privileged Informal communication is acknowledged


Theory Z and Contingency Theory William Ouchi--Theory Z Corporate culture emphasizing:

interpersonal relationships long term employmentcollective decision making and collaborationrespect for employees, concern for their well-

being

communication and management theory understanding the connections

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