Question

Column I (Thinkers)

1. Chris Argyris

2. Douglas McGregor

3. Elton Mayo

4. Herbert Simon

Column II (Theories)

A. Human Relations Movement

B. Theory X and Theory Y

C. Immaturity-Maturity Theory

D. Administrative Behaviour

• A. 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D
• B. 1-A, 2-D, 3-B, 4-C
• C. 1-D, 2-A, 3-C, 4-B
• D. 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-D

Key Thinkers and Their Theories in Management

• Chris Argyris is known for his Immaturity-Maturity Theory. This theory suggests that traditional organizations often treat employees in ways that lead to immaturity, hindering their personal growth and potential. Argyris proposed that management practices should evolve to support employee development towards maturity, characterized by increased activity, independence, and complexity.
• Douglas McGregor developed Theory X and Theory Y. Theory X assumes employees are inherently lazy and require strict supervision and control. Theory Y, in contrast, posits that employees are naturally motivated and will work productively if given autonomy and responsibility. This theory significantly influenced management styles, advocating for more participative and humanistic approaches.
• Elton Mayo is considered a pioneer of the Human Relations Movement. His famous Hawthorne Studies demonstrated that social and psychological factors, not just physical conditions, significantly impact worker productivity and morale. This marked a shift in management thought, emphasizing the importance of employee well-being and group dynamics.
• Herbert Simon's significant contribution is the concept of Administrative Behaviour, often associated with his work on bounded rationality. He argued that decision-making in organizations is not always perfectly rational due to limitations in information, cognitive capacity, and time. His work laid the foundation for understanding organizational decision-making processes in a more realistic context.

Relevance for Competitive Exams

• Understanding these thinkers and their core theories is crucial for sections on Management Principles, Organizational Behaviour, and Public Administration in various competitive examinations.
• Questions often require matching thinkers with their respective theories or identifying the key contribution of each individual.
• Familiarity with concepts like the Hawthorne Studies (Elton Mayo), Theory X and Y (Douglas McGregor), and bounded rationality (Herbert Simon) is frequently tested.