The administrative management school of thought, also known as the classical management theory, is a framework for organizing and managing organizations that was developed in the early 20th century. It is based on the idea that organizations can be scientifically managed to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This school of thought was influential in the development of modern management practices and continues to be relevant today.
The key figures in the administrative management school of thought were Henri Fayol and Frederick Winslow Taylor. Fayol is credited with developing the concept of "management functions," which are the key activities that managers perform in order to achieve organizational goals. These functions include planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. Fayol also developed the concept of "principles of management," which are guidelines for how managers should perform their duties. These principles include unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of individual interests to the general interest, and scalar chain, among others.
Taylor, on the other hand, is known for his contributions to the field of scientific management. He believed that the key to improving productivity was to break down work into small, specialized tasks and to use scientific methods to determine the most efficient way to perform each task. Taylor argued that by analyzing and optimizing each task, organizations could significantly increase their productivity and efficiency.
The administrative management school of thought was highly influential in the early 20th century and had a significant impact on the way organizations were managed. It provided a clear framework for organizing and managing organizations and helped to establish many of the principles and practices that are still used today. However, it has also been criticized for its emphasis on efficiency and its lack of concern for the well-being and satisfaction of workers.
Despite these criticisms, the administrative management school of thought remains an important and influential school of thought in the field of management. Its emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness continues to be relevant today, and many of its principles and practices are still widely used by managers around the world.