Question

Which of the following statements about Mary Parker Follett’s contributions to administrative thought are correct?

1. She advocated for conflict resolution through integration, meeting the needs of all parties.

2. She emphasized “power with” rather than “power over” for collaborative leadership.

3. She focused on rigid hierarchical structures to ensure organizational efficiency.
   

• A. 1 & 2
• B. 2 & 3
• C. 1 & 3
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 & 2

Mary Parker Follett's Contributions to Administrative Thought

• Mary Parker Follett (1868–1933) was a prominent American social worker, management consultant, and pioneer in organizational theory and behavior. She is often referred to as the 'Mother of Modern Management'.
• She is considered a significant bridge between the classical and human relations schools of management thought. Her work laid the groundwork for contemporary ideas about organizational democracy, horizontal processes, and employee empowerment.

Key Contributions and Concepts:

• Conflict Resolution through Integration: Follett strongly advocated for a constructive approach to conflict resolution known as integration. She believed that conflict should not be avoided, but rather seen as an opportunity for growth and finding a solution that satisfies the needs and desires of all parties involved, leading to a new, better outcome. This differs from simple compromise (where each side gives up something) or domination (where one side wins).
• 'Power With' vs. 'Power Over': A core concept in Follett's philosophy is the distinction between 'power over' and 'power with'.
  • 'Power over' refers to traditional hierarchical authority, where one person or group exerts control over others.
  • 'Power with', which Follett championed, emphasizes collaborative, co-active power, where individuals work together to achieve common goals, fostering shared responsibility and mutual influence. This concept promotes participative management and collective decision-making.
• Rejection of Rigid Hierarchical Structures: Contrary to traditional classical management theories that emphasized rigid, centralized hierarchical structures (like those of Taylor or Fayol), Follett advocated for more flexible and dynamic organizational structures. She believed that authority should derive from function and knowledge, rather than position, promoting a decentralized and adaptive approach to management. Therefore, the statement implying her focus on rigid hierarchical structures is incorrect.
• The Law of the Situation: Follett proposed the concept of the 'law of the situation,' which suggests that orders should be depersonalized and that both managers and employees should obey the requirements of the situation rather than arbitrary commands. This promotes a more rational and objective approach to management.
• Circular Response: She introduced the idea of 'circular response' in communication, emphasizing that in any interaction, each person's response influences and changes the other, creating a dynamic, continuous process rather than a linear cause-and-effect.
• Coordination through Group Process: Follett stressed the importance of coordination achieved through direct contact among individuals involved, early stages, continuous interaction, and functional relation of all factors, highlighting the significance of group processes and collective action in achieving organizational effectiveness.