1. Communication and Management Theory
Understanding the Connections
ComS 103
Prof. Burnett

2. Why Study Management Theories or Paradigms?
They form the basis of how managers manage
Mgmt. theories are theories of human behavior
Mgmt. theories are enacted by and through communication
Mgmt. theories are sometimes difficult to decipher

3. Classical Management Theories
Frederick Taylor--Scientific Management
Henri Fayol--General Management Theory
Max Weber--Bureaucratic Theory

4. Four Principles of Taylorism or Scientific Managment
There is one best way to perform a task (use science and time/motion studies)
Select your personnel scientifically
Compensation is based on work output
Strict division of labor--”Managers plan the work, workers work the plan”

5. Fayol’s Management Theory
Fayol’s background and training
Key Concepts
Division of work
Unity of command
Subordination of individual interests
Esprit de corps
Centralization

6. Weber’s Work on Bureaucracy
Remember what Weber is reacting to…
Clear system of authority
Complete, written rules and regulations
Organizational relationships stay impersonal
Selection and promotion based solely on technical competence
Contemporary civil service systems

7. Communication and Classical Management Theories
Driven by managerial authority
Believes people are rational, economic actors
Emphasizes the machine metaphor, workers are merely cogs
Communication is top-down, authority is tied to position

8. Human Relations Movement
Led by Roethlisberger and Mayo of Harvard University
Hawthorne Studies--Western Electric Co.
The Illumination Studies
The Relay Assembly Room Studies
The Interview Program
The Findings

9. Implications of the Hawthorne Studies
Wake up call for social scientists
Beginnings of people oriented mgmt.
Participation=increased morale=
increased productivity=increased
managerial control
Managers must forge a relationship with employees facilitating upward and downward communication

10. Human Resources Movement MacGregor’s TheoryX/Theory Y
Dislike work
Need to be coerced
Prefer direction
Desires security above all else
Theory Y
Work is natural
Coercion is wrong
Self-Actualization is the key
People will seek responsibility

11. Communication and Human Relations
Messages travel up, down, and across an organization
Decision making is spread throughout an organization
Build an atmosphere of trust and confidence in employees
Decreased levels of managerial control

12. Systems Theory and Organizational Theory
Ludwig von Bertalanfy--biologist
The organization as organism
Systems integration is key insight
Communication networks are privileged
Informal communication is acknowledged

13. Theory Z and Contingency Theory
William Ouchi--Theory Z
Corporate culture emphasizing:
interpersonal relationships
long term employment
collective decision making and collaboration
respect for employees, concern for their well-being