Question

Assertion (A): Classical theory treats administration as a universal science applicable across all organizational contexts.

Reason (R): Fayol's principles, such as centralization, are flexible and adaptable to varying conditions, ensuring positivism and universalism.

• A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true, but R is false
• D. A is false, but R is true

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

Classical Theory of Administration

• The Classical Theory of administration, which emerged in the early 20th century, viewed administration as a universal science.
• It proposed that principles of management and organization could be applied uniformly regardless of the specific industry, culture, or size of the organization.
• Key proponents include Henri Fayol, Frederick Winslow Taylor, and Max Weber.

Henri Fayol and his Principles

• Henri Fayol, a French mining engineer, is credited with developing the Administrative Theory, which is a significant part of the Classical Theory.
• He identified 14 principles of management that he believed were fundamental to effective administration.
• These principles include:
  • Division of Work
  • Authority and Responsibility
  • Discipline
  • Unity of Command
  • Unity of Direction
  • Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest
  • Remuneration
  • Centralization
  • Scalar Chain
  • Order
  • Equity
  • Stability of Tenure of Personnel
  • Initiative
  • Esprit de Corps

Analysis of the Assertion and Reason

• Assertion (A): Classical theory treats administration as a universal science applicable across all organizational contexts. This statement is true. The core tenet of classical theory is the belief in universally applicable principles of management.
• Reason (R): Fayol's principles, such as centralization, are flexible and adaptable to varying conditions, ensuring positivism and universalism. This statement is also true. Fayol himself acknowledged that the application of his principles needed to be adapted to specific circumstances. The principle of centralization, for instance, can be balanced with decentralization depending on the situation. However, the flexibility and adaptability of the principles do not negate the underlying belief in their universal applicability; rather, they describe *how* these universal principles should be implemented.
• Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of (A): While both statements are true, the reason does not fully explain *why* the classical theory is considered a universal science. The universalism stems from the belief that the principles themselves are inherently applicable everywhere, not primarily because they are flexible. The flexibility is a characteristic of how they are applied, not the basis for their claimed universality.

Key Concepts for Competitive Exams

• Positivism: In this context, it refers to the belief that knowledge should be based on observable facts and scientific methods, which classical theorists sought to apply to management.
• Universalism: The idea that management principles are the same everywhere.
• Fayol's 14 Principles: Candidates should be familiar with all 14 principles and their meanings.
• Taylor's Scientific Management: Focuses on optimizing work processes at the shop floor level, often contrasted with Fayol's focus on overall organizational management.
• Weber's Bureaucracy: Emphasizes hierarchy, formal rules, and impersonality as a model for rational organization.