Chapter 2 : Classical Approaches

Summary from Textbook:

The chapter starts off by explaining that several organizations contained similar characteristics, and these attributes fell under a metaphor called the machine metaphor. This metaphor contains 3 key aspects: specialization of tasks or division of labour, standardization and interchangeable/replaceable parts of the organization, and predictability.

3 main theorists agreed with this metaphor, and came up with their own additional theories:

1. Henri Fayol- Classical Management Theory:

-Five elements of Management:

• Planning


• Organizing


• Command


• Coordination


• Control

-Principles of Management:

• Principles of Organizational Structure


• Principles of Organizational Power


• Principles of Organizational Reward


• Principles of Organizational Attitude

2. Max Weber- Bureaucracy Theory:

• Traditional authority/ legitimate authority


• Charismatic authority


• Rational-legal authority

3. Federick Taylor- Scientific Management Theory:

• One best way to do every job


• Proper selection and training of workers


• Inherent differences between management and workers

Communication in classical approaches and content of communication were also analysed, where it was found that communication in organizations usually involved only upwards and downwards direction, written and task–related communication, and a formal style of communication. Finally, we looked at how Classical Managements, Structures, Job design and rewards were practiced in current organizations.

This chapter is important, as it informs us of the basic styles and characteristics of management. It also briefly talks about the way in which information flows within the mentioned organizations, giving us a basic idea of what the rest of the book may be.

Reference:

Miller, K 2009, Organizational Communication: Approaches and Processes, 6^th edition, Belmont, CA, Wadsworth Publishing Company.