What are the main features of classical management theory?

In a hundred years of management thought development and change, relative to the successor management theory and school, classical management theory is most notable for two major features:

First, the efficiency of the classical management is the strongest main theme. At the beginning of the birth of management, the problem to be solved is quite realistic, is through the search for and the use of scientific management tools and methods, all efforts to improve production efficiency, reduce the amount of socially necessary labor. Whether it is Tylo and his followers, or Fayol and Weber, although the theoretical vision has its own focus, there are differences in academic point of view, but they all see scientific management as a way to improve the efficiency of the methods and means. Tyro's study of efficiency is mainly through the standardization of field operations and scientific. Tyro gave a not-so-rigorous definition of management: "Know exactly what you want your workers to do, and then try to get them to do it in the best and most economical way." Tyro system, whether it is the abstract management principles, theories or specific management methods, techniques, are directly to the core of efficiency.

Second, classical management theory and a strong empirical, technological color. Classical management theory and even the whole of management, in terms of its theoretical source, there are two main categories: one is through the penetration of other disciplines, drawing on the resources of ideas; the other is the summary of practical experience to enhance. Obviously, the formation of classical management theory is the crystallization of practical experience. Its pioneers belonged to the generation of "Jiangshan", most of them were born in factories and mines, and their understanding of management either came from the grassroots practice or from the experience of managing specific organizations for a long time.

The great significance of classical management theory lies in:

1. Classical management theory establishes that management is a science. Through the method of scientific research can be found universal laws of management, the establishment of classical management theory makes managers began to get rid of the traditional experience and by feeling to manage.

2. Classical management theory establishes a set of principles, principles, methods and other theories about management theory. Classical management theory puts forward some management principles, management functions and management methods, and advocates that these principles and functions are the basis of management work, which is of great significance in guiding the management of enterprises, but also for summarizing the history of management thought provides an extremely important reference value.

3. Classical management scientists also established the relevant organizational theory. Weber proposed the theory of bureaucratic organization is the cornerstone of organization theory, therefore, he is known as the father of organization theory. Weber put forward the idea of a bureaucratic management system, but also, they should establish the structure of the organization, as well as to maintain the normal operation of this organizational structure, put forward a series of principles. Today the organizational structure of business management has become more complex, but the basic framework designed by classical organizational theory has not lost its relevance.

4. Classical management theory for the later behavioral science and modern management school laid the foundation of management theory, many contemporary management techniques and management methods are derived from classical management theory. Some of the problems studied by the classical school of management are still the problems that need to be studied in today's management, and many of today's technology and management methods are also the inheritance and development of classical management ideas.