Classical Organizational Theories: Frederick Taylor, Henry Fayol And Max Weber

Classical organisation theories are principles of observation which were made by Frederick Taylor, Henry Fayol and Max Weber. Frederick Taylor was considered as the father of scientific management. He taught other managers how to apply his scientific management techniques. Henry Fayol observed the administrative management and believed all managers have five managerial functions which are planning, organising, commanding, coordination, and controlling. He also introduced the 14 points of managements. Max Weber introduced bureaucracy in an organisation. He envisioned an organisation managed on an impersonal and rational basis. These theories are often referred to as machine theories because these classical theories tend to increase efficiency and productivity in the same way that machines increase productivity and efficiency in an organisation.
Max Weber introduced bureaucracy theory. Under this theory there is division of labour. There is separation of roles and duties. Workers divide into certain groups and do the tasks that they are able to do best thereby increasing efficiency and reducing unnecessary mistakes. This theory can be referred to as a machine theory because with machinery there can be division of labour. This means each

Under the 14 points there is division of labour which is specialization. This means that each worker deals with what they can do best. Specialization allows the individual to build up experience, and to continuously improve his skills. Thereby he can be more productive. This theory is often referred to as a machine theory because machines also specialise in what they were invented for. Each machine only perform a function that it was intended for thereby increasing efficiency. The process of production using machinery involves division of labour. At each stage of production a good passes through a different machine hence division of