Definition of Management Theory

 Definition of Management Theory

A Management Theory is a collection of ideas which set forth general rules on how to manage a business or organization http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/management-theory.html#ixzz2ahT7axO0

Management theory addresses how managers and supervisors relate to their organizations in the knowledge of its goals, the implementation of effective means to get the goals accomplished and how to motivate employees to perform to the highest standard (http://operations-management.knoji.com/management-theories-that-can-be-applied-to-achieve-the-goal-of-a-business/)

Having looked at the definition of a Management Theory, we are going discuss Common Theories of Management applied by Managers.  

There are many theories of Management but for this Unit we are going to look at five management theories that can be applied in order to achieve the goal of a certain business or organization. 

These theories are as follows; 

⦁ The Scientific Management theory

⦁ The Behavioral Theory 

⦁ The Contingency Management Theory

⦁ The Quantitative Management Theory 

⦁ The System Management Theory.

The Scientific Management theory (Classical Management Theory)

Frederick Taylor developed the “scientific management theory” which proposed careful specification and measurement of all organizational tasks. Tasks were standardized as much as possible. Workers were rewarded and punished according to the job performance to increase production or performance of an Organization. The classical management theory focuses on finding the one best way to perform and manage tasks. 

In Nursing, An in-charge can do Task allocation to Nurses on duty and follow up their Task completion afterwards. Nurses who deliver required services to the patients can be rewarded in form formal Appraisals and awards. On the other hand, if a Nurse is not able to carry out the designated tasks, counseling can be done and Discipline measures instituted according to the Code of Conduct. Such a Management approach makes an Organization deliver quality services to its clients and the Organization earns a good name in a Market environment.      

The Behavioral Management Theory

The Manager who adopts the Behavioral Management theory believes that the workers conditions affect the quantity and quality of their works. Therefore, the management must be concerned with the workers condition in order to improve the quantity and quality of work output. 

A nurse Manager who takes applies Behavioral Management Theory take into consideration workers poor performance and tries to find out the possible causes so that work output improved. 

The Contingency Management Theory 

Basically, contingency theory asserts that before Managers make a decision, they must take into account all aspects of the current situation and act on those aspects that are key to the situation at hand. It’s the approach that “it depends.” For example, the continuing effort to identify the best leadership or management style might now conclude that the best style depends on the situation

In this case, A Nurse Manger who is a leader may need to employ different Managerial Theories taking into consideration a prevailing situation, because there are no two situations which may be exactly the same.

The System Management Theory 

The System Management Theory conceptualized a system that it has interrelated parts. These parts work or operate as one or a whole in order to achieve a specific goal. This theory signifies that the manager of an organization should be able to understand the various parts or system that makes up the entire operation. 

In this case a Nurse Manger who applies the System Management Theory should understand that different workers in different departments at the Hospital lead to quality Health service delivery because all departments contribute to the recovery of a patients (Team work is encouraged in all Health care Organizations For example; Laboratory, Pharmacy, Radiology Admission ward work towards achieving Patient quick recovery). 

The Quantitative Management Theory

The quantitative management theory uses quantitative tools to help plan and control nearly everything in an organization. 

A Nurse Manager who adopts this Theory will try to Quantify the Nursing Tasks in her Planning of Task allocation and try to control everything for the wellbeing of the an patient wellbeing. 

Having looked at the Five Theories which any Manager can adopt, it important to understand that Management Theories will help a Manager manage her Organization by applying the most appropriate Management Theory of her Choice.  

The summary of the theories discussed is as follows; 

⦁ The classical/Scientific Management theory focuses on finding the one best way to perform and manage tasks for subordinates.

⦁ The behavioral management theory recognizes employees as individuals with concrete human needs, as parts of the work groups, and members of a larger society. 

⦁ The contingency management theory is based on the premise that manager’s preferred actions or approaches depend on the variables of the situations they face 

⦁ The systems management theory holds that an organization comprise various parts that must perform tasks necessary for the survival and proper functioning of the system as a whole. 

⦁ The quantitative management theory uses quantitative tools to help plan and control nearly everything in an organization.