Homework

Management theory has witnessed an evolution of change in America over the last century. From the 1890s to about the 1930s there was the scientific management period, led by theorists such as Frederick Taylor. The primary focus of the scientific management movement was on production, with the worker being of secondary or lesser importance. In the 1930s to the present day, there has been another movement, which has often been referred to as the human relations movement, led by Elton Mayo and another group of theorists.

Based on studies conducted in the Western Electric Plant in the mid-1920s, Mayo and his associates came to believe that the focus needed to be changed from production to the people who work for the organization. Keeping these two theories in mind, respond to the following questions in your response.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

• Formally define scientific management and the human relations movement.
• What are the pros and cons of each of these management theories?
• As a security manager, which of these 2 theories would you utilize in the day-to-day management of the employees who work directly for you? Also, explain in detail why you would not choose the other theory.