Question

The characteristic feature of classical theory that views human motivation solely through material rewards is rooted in the concept of the:

• A. Economic Man
• B. Social Man
• C. Self-Actualizing Man
• D. Improvising Planner

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Economic Man

The Concept of 'Economic Man' in Classical Theory

• The 'Economic Man' is a theoretical construct central to classical administrative and economic thought.
• It posits that individuals are primarily motivated by economic incentives and material rewards.
• This view assumes that people are rational and will act in ways that maximize their personal economic gain.
• Classical theorists, such as Frederick Winslow Taylor (Scientific Management), believed that by offering higher wages or other financial benefits, workers could be persuaded to increase their productivity.
• This perspective underlies many early management practices focused on piece-rate systems and output-based bonuses.

• Key Characteristics of the 'Economic Man':

  • Rationality: Makes decisions based on logical assessment of costs and benefits.
  • Self-interest: Primarily concerned with personal material gain.
  • Responsiveness to Material Incentives: Productivity is directly linked to financial rewards.
  • Limited Social/Psychological Needs: Classical theory largely ignored or downplayed the importance of non-economic factors like social relations, job satisfaction, or recognition.
• This unidimensional view of motivation was later challenged by the Human Relations Movement, which emphasized the significance of social and psychological factors in the workplace.
• The 'Economic Man' concept is a foundational idea for understanding the evolution of management theories, even if it is now considered an oversimplification of human behavior.