Question

Consider the following statements regarding further critiques by Argyris, Barnard, and Subramaniam:

1. Classical theory neglects informal processes, treating organizations as closed systems static to external environments.

2. Argyris highlighted incongruence between mature personality needs and classical structures, fostering passivity at lower levels.

3. It displays a pro-management bias by focusing solely on operational issues beyond management problems.

• A. 1 and 3 only
• B. 1, 2 and 3
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1 and 2 only

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 1 and 2 only

Critiques of Classical Management Theory

• Statement 1: Classical theory's limitations regarding informal processes and environmental interaction.
  • Classical management theories, such as those of Taylor, Fayol, and Weber, often viewed organizations as closed systems. This perspective means they tended to ignore the influence of the external environment and informal organizational processes (like social relationships and unofficial communication channels) that significantly impact organizational functioning.
  • Organizations are, in reality, open systems, constantly interacting with and adapting to their surroundings. The classical approach's failure to acknowledge this dynamism was a major point of criticism.
• Statement 2: Argyris's critique of personality and organizational structure.
  • Chris Argyris, a prominent organizational psychologist, argued that classical management principles often create an incongruence between the needs of a mature, healthy personality and the requirements of the formal organizational structure.
  • Classical structures, with their emphasis on task specialization, clear chains of command, and tight control, tend to promote passivity, dependence, and a short-time perspective among employees at lower organizational levels. This stifles individual growth and initiative.
  • Argyris advocated for changes that would allow for greater self-control, self-responsibility, and opportunities for personal growth within the organization.
• Statement 3: Bias in classical theory.
  • While classical theory does focus on management and operational efficiency, the statement suggests a pro-management bias by focusing solely on operational issues beyond management problems. This phrasing is somewhat contradictory.
  • A more accurate critique is that classical theory primarily focuses on efficiency, productivity, and control from a management perspective. It often overlooks the human element and the potential for conflict or dissatisfaction arising from rigid structures and practices. The bias is less about issues *beyond* management problems and more about the unintended negative consequences of its prescribed management solutions on individuals and the broader organizational dynamics.
  • The focus was largely on mechanistic efficiency rather than human relations or the complexities of organizational behavior.

Key Theorists and Their Contributions

• Chester I. Barnard: While not directly critiquing classical theory in the same way as Argyris, Barnard's work on the Functions of the Executive (1938) introduced the concept of the organization as a cooperative system and highlighted the importance of informal elements and communication.
• Chris Argyris: Focused on the individual within the organization, emphasizing the conflict between individual needs for growth and organizational demands for conformity.
• Subramaniam: (Note: While Argyris and Barnard are well-known figures in management critique, specific widely recognized critiques attributed to a