Management Philosophy. Summary of Articles. Yaniv, E. (2011): Construct Clarity in Theories of Management

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1 Management Philosophy Summary of Articles Yaniv, E. (2011): Construct Clarity in Theories of Management The journal s author has analyzed the manner in which management theories should be developed in all kinds of organizations. The author has examined specific procedures that help to streamline management theories in different types of organizations. Specific differences pertaining to classic and scientific management theories have been examined in the article. (Yaniv, 2011) Firstly, the author has noted that most modern day organizations use scientific management theories. This is mainly because this theory has the capacity to enhance overall performance in all types of companies. According to the author, scientific theories of management are aimed at maximizing employees output. Without such a strategic approach, it would be very difficult for organizations to enhance productivity. (Yaniv, 2011) Another important aspect of consideration provided in this article pertains to minimization of conflicts in organizations. Under normal circumstances, conflicts arise occasionally between employees. However, the scientific theory of management provides adequate avenues for mitigating these types of conflicts. The article has also examined the classic theory of management. According to the author, this theory forms the basis of other management theories. He has noted that even the scientific theory of management borrows heavily from the classic theory. In terms of the research topic, this article has been of major influence. For instance, the author has examined numerous ways in which the classic and scientific management theories are similar. For instance, both theories enhance interactions between employees and managers. (Yaniv, 2011) 1 / 6

2 Miller, K, D. (2010): Testing Management Theories In his article, Miller has evaluated the effectiveness of different theories of management. Whereas some management theories are quite effective, others are characterized by numerous shortcomings. The classic theory of management fails to examine the specific ways in which organizational culture should be enhanced. (Miller, 2010)According to the author, organizational culture refers to the specific values and principles for any company. Most companies in the modern world have clearly defined organizational culture. Such a strategic approach goes a very long way towards maximizing productivity. As an important part of strategic management, managers should always strive to enhance organizational culture. In contrast, the scientific theory of management has provided a good framework for implementing organizational culture. Based on findings provided in the article, modern day managers tend to prefer scientific theory as compared to classic theories. (Miller, 2010)This is because of the latter s failure to highlight the important role played by organizational culture in strategic management. Apart from organizational culture, the article has also described specific ways in which the classic and scientific theories of management would be harmonized. This is because each of the two theories is characterized by benefits and demerits. Modern day managers should develop mechanisms for ensuring that the two theories are used in strategic management. Most philosophical perspectives provided in this article are based on the works of Peter Drucker. He is a management theorist who used both the classic and scientific theories of management to design applicable philosophies. In this article, the author has also shed some light on the differences between both theories. However, similarities between classic and scientific theories of management have been omitted in this article. (Miller, 2010) Daft, R. L. (2009): Management 2 / 6

3 In his book, Daft has reviewed different concepts of management based on different perspectives. To start with, this publication has provided important information as pertains to the two main theories of management. It is therefore an excellent resource of research for classic and scientific theories of management. (Daft, 2009) According to the author, most managers are aware about scientific and classic theories of management. Despite this awareness, few managers are willing to implement scientific theories at the expense of classical theories. The author notes that classical theories require less resources compared to implementation of scientific theories. This difference is one of the main reasons why modern day managers prefer classical theories of management. However, despite this difference, the scientific theory of management is characterized by more benefits as compared to the classical theories. (Daft, 2009) For instance, organizations can easily enhance the level of productivity by using scientific theories compared to classical management theories. Based on findings presented in this publication, technological advancements have made it easier for more managers to understand scientific theories. As a result, implementation of scientific theories of management has been strongly enhanced. The author of this publication has based most of his arguments on the philosophies of Peter Drucker. From a different perspective, this publication has also examined specific similarities between classic and scientific management theories. For instance, both theories emphasize on the importance of teamwork in the workplace. Furthermore, the author has suggested that both theories address the critical role played by decision making in management. In strategic management, organizational goals would not be achieved without developing appropriate channels for decision making. (Daft, 2009) Adetule, P. J (2009): Handbook on Management Theories 3 / 6

4 The author has used this publication to examine some of the most predominant theories of management. It is a publication that would come in very handy for researchers and management professionals. This is because the author has traced the development of different theories of management. (Adetule, 2009)To start with, the classic theory of management has been used by managers for a long time. In contrast, scientific theories of management combine traditional philosophies and modern concepts. Even though the author is biased towards scientific management theories, he has shed light on numerous aspects of management that would conform to this research. Specific differences and similarities between classic and scientific theories of management have been addressed in different parts of this publication. (Adetule, 2009)In terms of similarities, both theories tend to emphasize upon the attainment of organizational goals. Theorists who developed both theories were adamant that all organizations must strive towards the fulfillment of goals. Specification of goals is vital because it forms the main basis of strategic management. Another similarity between the two theories is that both integrate internal and external aspects of organizational management. For instance, managers must ensure that employees are aware of the expectations of clients. This is why organizations should train employees regularly. According the author, the main difference between these theories is as a result of implementation frameworks. For classic management theories, managers must involve senior executives during the implementation process. On the other hand, scientific theories utilize an all-inclusive approach during implementation. Another difference pertains to the manner in which strategic management facilitates for conflict resolution. Whereas classic theories negate conflict resolutions mechanisms, scientific theories of management recognize the importance of such mechanisms. (Adetule, 2009) Comparing the Articles Differences 4 / 6

5 All the four sources are characterized by several differences. According to Yaniv (2011), scientific theories of management are aimed at maximizing employees output. Without such a strategic approach, it would be very difficult for organizations to enhance productivity. In contrast, Miller (2010) suggests that most companies in the modern world have clearly defined organizational culture. Such a strategic approach goes a very long way towards maximizing productivity. As an important part of strategic management, managers should always strive to enhance organizational culture. On his part, Daft (2009) asserts that most managers are aware about scientific and classic theories of management. Despite this awareness, few managers are willing to implement scientific theories at the expense of classical theories. Finally, Adetule (2009) has suggested in his publication that the classic theory of management has been used by managers for a long time. In contrast, scientific theories of management combine traditional philosophies and modern concepts. Similarities The authors in all these publications have provided numerous differences between classic and scientific theories of management. It is therefore clear that both theories could be used differently in strategic management. Additionally, all the publications are strongly based on Peter Drucker s philosophy of management. Synthesizing the Articles/Conclusion Management is a broad profession that encompasses a lot of theories. However, scientific and classical theories are two of the most critical philosophies of management. These theories provide managers with numerous options for enhancing organizational performance. However, both are characterized by differences as well as similarities. In terms of similarities, both 5 / 6

6 theories borrow heavily from Peter Drucker s management philosophies. On the other hand, these theories are different in that they affect strategic management in different ways. In all the four publications, authors have presented the scientific theory of management as a superior theory compared to classical theories. Despite such superiority, scientific management theorists borrow a lot from classical theories. Both theories should be synthesized in order to bring the best outcomes in any organization. References Adetule, P. J. (2009). Handbook on management theories, IN: Authorhouse Daft, R. L. & Lane, P. (2009). Management, OH: South-Western Miller, K. D. & Tsang, E. W. (2010). Testing management theories, Strategic Management Journal, 32(2) Yaniv, E. (2011). Construct clarity in theories of management and organization, Academy of M anagement Review, 36 (3). 6 / 6