A summary of neoclassical organization theory

There are mainly interpersonal organization theories represented by e. mayo; Organizational balance theory represented by C.I. Chester C.I. Barnard and decision-making process organization theory represented by H.A. Herbert H.A. Simon.

The formation of neoclassical theory is based on the analysis and comparison of early organizational theory. The main representatives of this theoretical school are mary parker follett, Elton Mayo, Fritz Rotlisburg and Chester Barnard. The period when these scholars wrote books was the period when traditional management theory or classical organization theory prevailed, but they brought the research of management theory and organization theory into a new period. The Hawthorne research conducted by Mayo and Rotlisberg from 1927 to 1932 laid the foundation of behavioral science. They are pioneers of interpersonal relationship management or early representatives of behavioral science. Their findings make the social psychological factors of people in organizations and the relationship between people's behavior and efficiency an important part of organizational theory. Follette's main research activity period was before Hawthorne's experiment, while Barnard was just after Hawthorne's experiment. Follette's viewpoint is recognized as the link between classical management theory and behavioral science management theory. At that time, she was the only one who emphasized the psychological and sociological aspects of management. She believes that management is a social process and organization is a social system. Barnard is also an influential figure who promotes the transition from traditional management theory to behavioral science management theory. He attaches importance to the social and psychological aspects of the organization, rather than economic and technical issues. He defined the organization as a cooperative system, studied the existence and influence of informal organizations, and put forward a "recognized" authority theory, which is essentially different from Max Weber's and traditional management experts' legal status authority theory.

Representative theoretical achievements of neoclassical organization theory include:

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory;

Herzberg's two-factor theory;

McLelland's theory of incentive demand;

McGregor's "X Theory-Y Theory";

Porter-Lawler model proposed by Porter and Lawler.