Question

Who among the following is considered the "father of classical theory" of administration?

• A. Luther Gulick
• B. Henry Fayol
• C. R. Shelton
• D. Lyndall Urwick

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Henry Fayol

Henry Fayol: The Father of Classical Theory

• Henry Fayol (1841-1925) was a French mining engineer and executive who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in management theory.
• He is often referred to as the "father of classical theory" or the "father of modern administrative theory" due to his significant contributions to understanding and structuring organizations.
• Fayol's most significant work, Administration Industrielle et Générale (General and Industrial Management), published in 1916, laid the foundation for much of modern management practice.

Key Contributions and Concepts:

• 14 Principles of Management: Fayol identified 14 universal principles that he believed could be applied to any type of organization. These 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 (Line of Authority)
  • Order
  • Equity
  • Stability of Tenure of Personnel
  • Initiative
  • Esprit de Corps (Union is Strength)
• Functions of Management: Fayol also outlined five primary functions of management, which are still relevant today:
  • Planning: Looking ahead and drawing up a plan of action.
  • Organizing: Building up a secondary structure (both human and material) of the undertaking.
  • Commanding: Making the personnel work in order to reach the objectives set.
  • Coordinating: Uniting all activities and efforts.
  • Controlling: Verifying that everything occurs in conformity with the plan adopted, instructions issued, and principles established.
• Administrative Theory: Fayol's work focused on the activities of top management and the administrative aspects of running an organization, distinguishing it from earlier theories that focused primarily on operational efficiency (like Taylor's Scientific Management).

Relevance for Competitive Exams:

• Fayol's principles and functions are frequently tested in various management and public administration exams.
• Understanding these core concepts is crucial for analyzing organizational structures and management practices.
• His distinction between technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting, and managerial functions within an enterprise is also noteworthy.