Question

The Classical Theory was criticized for being 'atomistic' because:

I. It views human beings as isolated units, divorced from social context within the organization.

II. It assumes workers are motivated solely by material rewards, ignoring group influences.

III. It equates administrative principles with scientifically proven laws, leading to rigidity.

Which of the following is correct?

• A. I only
• B. I and II only
• C. II and III only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

B. I and II only

Criticisms of the Classical Theory of Administration

Atomistic Nature of the Theory

The Classical Theory of Administration, while foundational, faced significant criticism for its 'atomistic' approach. This means it tended to break down complex organizational phenomena into their smallest parts, often losing sight of the holistic picture.

• I. Focus on Isolated Individuals: The theory often treated employees as isolated units rather than as members of a social group. It overlooked the fact that individuals operate within a social context inside an organization, and their behavior is influenced by their interactions with colleagues and the overall organizational culture. This perspective failed to account for the complexities of human relationships at work.
• II. Materialistic Motivation Assumption: A major critique was the assumption that workers were primarily motivated by monetary incentives and economic gains. This viewpoint neglected other crucial motivators such as social needs, recognition, job satisfaction, and the influence of informal groups within the workplace. The Hawthorne Studies, particularly the work of Elton Mayo, later highlighted the importance of these non-economic factors.

Rigidity and Lack of Scientific Basis

• III. Equating Principles with Laws: The theory was criticized for presenting administrative principles as universally applicable, scientifically proven laws. In reality, these principles were often based on experience and observation, making them more like guidelines than strict rules. This led to a rigid approach to management, discouraging flexibility and adaptation to different organizational situations and environments.

Key Figures Associated with Classical Theory:

• Frederick Winslow Taylor: Pioneer of Scientific Management, focused on efficiency and productivity through time-and-motion studies.
• Henri Fayol: Developed 14 principles of management, emphasizing administrative functions.
• Max Weber: Introduced the concept of Bureaucracy, highlighting hierarchical structure, rules, and impersonality.

These criticisms paved the way for later management theories, such as the Human Relations Movement, which emphasized the social and psychological aspects of work.