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Midterm Essay: Classical Organizational Theory
Abstract
This paper will discuss the Classical Organizational Theory and its origins and the
scholars who engaged in its development. Additionally, we will discuss how these theories have
been instrumental in the way that our public and private organizations have been built as well
as the positive and negative effects the theories have had on those organizations.
Introduction
Classic Organizational Theory is not the brainchild of one scholar alone but rather a
culmination of contributions from various scholars. In this essay, we will discuss the
contributions of Max Weber, Frederick Taylor, and Emile Durkheim. While each of these
scholars had a similar concept of making organizations run more effectively and efficiently, they
each did so with differing motivations.
Max Weber is often referred to as the father of bureaucracy and believed in creating a
strong systematic process for the purpose of predictability and control. Weber’s theory came
up with six main things that a bureaucracy should have, starting with a clear central authority
and a clear chain of command. This allows for consistency in the decision-making process as
information is sent up the chain of command and once a decision is made the decision is sent
back down the chain of command for implementation. From there, Weber envisioned a division
of labor in which workers are trained to a specialty in order to increase their performance,
along with providing them with a formal set of rules to ensure no confusion along with
standardization for processes so that outcomes are predictable and consistent.
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Midterm Essay: Classical Organizational Theory
Weber’s design results in a highly functional yet impersonal system that limits power
and autonomy, ensuring that members of the organization are empowered with “sufficient
legal and political authority to function adequately.” (Milakovich M., & Gordon, G. (2013) P.
146).
Figure 1: Max Weber’s Bureaucracy (2022)
Frederick Taylor began his work by focusing on the workers and looking at how they
performed at their jobs and crafted the scientific management theory. In contrast to Weber’s
motivation which was focused on control, Taylor’s motivation was increased profit. He felt that
by increasing efficiency, he would raise the profits of the organization. Taylor’s scientific
management theory had four principles; efficiency, rationality, productivity, and profit. His
theory was “premised on the notion that there was “one best way” of accomplishing any given
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Midterm Essay: Classical Organizational Theory
task” (Shafritz & Hyde, 2015 p. 11). He applied these principles not only to the front-line worker
but also to higher levels of management as well. According to Milakovich and Gordon (2013),
“Scientific Management is generally regarded as having had a tangible and lasting impact on the
principal approach top public administration.” (p. 151).
Figure 2 F. Taylor’s Scientific Method
Emile Durkheim studied the changing relationships between workers throughout
history. According to Haveman (2019) "People in traditional societies were self-sufficient
(growing and making almost everything they needed), while people in modern societies were
interdependent (e.g., the butcher depended on the farmer, baker, and builder). In sum, this
work explains how people's attachment to others changed as societies modernized." As society
has changed, so has our relationship with other workers, thus leading to more specialization to
ensure each individual possesses the necessary skills to be vital to the community, which in turn
ensures their success.
Conclusion
Each of these three scholars, as mentioned above, provided their own unique
understanding and insights into how organizations can work. Weber provided us with the
framework for the rigid bureaucracy highlighted by consistency and control. Taylor refined the
processes of both workers and managers to increase their efficiency and productivity and, thus,
their profits through scientifically examining the best way to accomplish work. And finally,
Selective Hiring Process Scientifically Train for
Efficiency
Divide work between
managers and workers
Pay based on profit
leves
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Midterm Essay: Classical Organizational Theory
Durkheim examined and explained the transition our society's workers have undergone from
generalist to specialist and the relationships in society. Each has provided value to the way both
public and private organizations run, and the fruits of their work are still evident today.
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Midterm Essay: Classical Organizational Theory
References
Haveman, H. A., & Wetts, R. (2019). Organizational theory: From classical sociology to 1970s.
Sociology Compass, 13(3). doi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1111/soc4.12627
Milakovich, M. E., & Gordon, G. J. (2013). Public Administration in America (11th ed.).
Cengage Learning US. Retrieved from
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781133712909
Shafritz, J. M., & Hyde, A. C. (2015). Classic of Public Administration (8 ed.). Boston , MA:
Cengage Learning US. Retrieved from
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781305887268
Weber, M. (n.d.). Retrieved November 2022, from
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9d/fc/4b/9dfc4b7228ddef9c1fdefee01469f61e.jpg
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