The study examined the relationship between Management (classical) theories and organisational performance in Rivers State, Nigeria.
The paper assessed the level of application of the scientific management, administrative and bureaucratic theories in Nigeria organizations with emphasis in Rivers State and their contributions to the organisational performance (productivity and growth) of the surveyed organisations. A sample of 378 staff based on Taro Yemane formula was investigated. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyse the data generated in this study. Copies of a questionnaire were used to collect data from the respondents.
Also, 316 copies of questionnaire were found valid and relevant for utilization in the study resulting to an overall usable response rate of 83.60 %. The study revealed that the application of the scientific management, administrative and bureaucratic theories in the management of various organizations contributed to low productivity, non-growth, productivity, slow pace of organizational growth and development in the organizations.
The study concluded that given the present performances of Nigerian organizations, more needs to be done in the manner and way classical management theories were applied. Workers will be more motivated to perform in a conducive work environment if classical theories are applied with high track of efficiency while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
It was recommended that, for organizations to achieve the objective of effective and efficient productivity, they must understand, accommodate, embrace and promote people who are dynamic and proactive in the organisation. Organizations should also review periodically their rules, regulations and manuals to ensure current trends in the business environment. Finally, organizations should allow for initiative, innovations and workers participation in decision making.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
2.1. Conceptual Framework
2.2. Management Theories
2.2.1. The Scientific Management Theory
2.2.2. The Administrative Theory
2.2.3. Bureaucratic Theory
2.3. Organizational Performance
3. Empirical Review
3.1. The relationship between management theory and organizational performance
3.2. Research Methodology
3.3. Results, Analysis and Discussions
3.4. Discussions
3.5. Summary of Findings
4. Conclusion
5. Recommendations
Objectives & Core Topics
The primary objective of this study is to analyze the influence of classical management theories—specifically scientific management, administrative, and bureaucratic theories—on the organizational performance, productivity, and growth of firms within Rivers State, Nigeria. The research investigates whether the application of these traditional management frameworks contributes to current organizational challenges.
- Analysis of classical management theories (Scientific, Administrative, Bureaucratic).
- Evaluation of the relationship between management theory and organizational performance.
- Assessment of productivity and growth metrics in Nigerian organizations.
- Examination of the impact of organizational structure and managerial decision-making.
- Empirical analysis of survey data from selected organizations in Rivers State.
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.1. The Scientific Management Theory
In 1911, Taylor published his famous work titled “Principles of Scientific Management “. In this work, he advocated that Managers should gather together all the traditional knowledge possessed by work men and then classify and reduce them to laws, rules and formulae. They should then develop a “science”, for each element of man’s work to replace old rule of thumb methods and scientifically select and train workmen in the new methods. He also stated that managers should take over certain tasks. Such as planning and scheduling of work, which were previously left to the workmen to cope with as well as they could? (Daft, 2005).
Koontz el al (2005) states that the fundamental principles, that Taylor saw underlying the scientific approach to management are as follows: (a) Replacing rules of thumb with science (organized knowledge). (b) Obtaining harmony, rather than discord in group actions. (c) Achieving co-operation of human beings, rather than chaotic individuals. (d) Working for maximum output, rather than restricted output. (e) Developing all workers to the fullest extent possible for their own and their company’s interests, Stoner et al (1995), also contented that Taylor rested his philosophy on four basic principles: 1. The development of true scientific management, so that the best method for performing each task could be determined. 2. The scientific selection of workers, so that each worker would be given responsibility for the task for which he was best suited. 3. The scientific education and development of workers. 4. Intimate, friendly co- operation between management and labour.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the origins of classical management thought and defines the fundamental concepts of organizational structure, setting the stage for investigating their application in Nigeria.
2. Literature Review: This section provides a conceptual framework and details the three core management theories, while also exploring the multidimensional nature of organizational performance.
3. Empirical Review: This chapter reviews existing studies on management practices and presents the research methodology and findings regarding the influence of management theories on organizational output.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the study's findings, highlighting the necessity for a more pragmatic and adaptive approach to management in contemporary Nigerian organizations.
5. Recommendations: This chapter offers actionable advice for organizations to improve performance by incorporating behavioral science and employee-centric practices alongside traditional theories.
Keywords
Scientific Management Theory, Administrative Theory, Bureaucratic Theory, Classical Theories, Organisational Performance, Productivity, Organizational Growth, Nigeria, Management Practice, Efficiency, Employee Motivation, Organizational Structure, Corporate Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study examines the relationship between classical management theories—Scientific, Administrative, and Bureaucratic—and organizational performance in Nigeria, specifically focusing on how these theories affect productivity and growth.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the work?
The core themes include organizational management history, the application of classical theories in modern business, the determinants of organizational performance, and the specific socio-economic challenges faced by firms in Rivers State.
What is the primary research question being addressed?
The study aims to determine if the application of scientific, administrative, and bureaucratic management theories contributes to the current low productivity and stagnation observed in many Nigerian organizations.
Which research methodology is employed by the author?
The author uses a survey design, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to staff across three specific organizations, supported by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the theoretical foundations of classical management, a detailed empirical review of management practices, and an analysis of how these practices impact organizational efficiency and human resource relations.
Which keywords best describe the study?
Key terms include Scientific Management Theory, Bureaucratic Theory, Organisational Performance, Productivity, Organizational Growth, and Management Practice.
How do classical management theories impact worker motivation according to the study?
The study suggests that while scientific management focuses on efficiency and financial rewards, it can lead to autocratic practices that neglect employee needs, potentially resulting in demotivation and frustration.
What specific recommendation does the author give regarding bureaucracy?
The author recommends that organizations should periodically review their manuals, rules, and regulations to ensure that bureaucratic structures remain aligned with modern business trends rather than becoming rigid bottlenecks.
- Citar trabajo
- Dr. Newman Enyioko (Autor), 2021, Classical management theories and organisational performance in Rivers State, Nigeria. An analysis, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1032729
