Question 1

The practice of management goes back several thousands of years; however, the development of management theories and principles occurred around the 1600s with the discovery of the New World.

Accepted Answer

The formal study and development of management theories and principles began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant contributions from pioneers like Frederick Taylor, Henri Fayol, and Max Weber, rather than in the 1600s.

Question 2

The classical viewpoint or school of management is comprised of three different but related approaches. The approaches are administrative, bureaucratic and operational.

Accepted Answer

False

Question 3

Two major characteristics of Weber's idea of bureaucracy are the specialisation of labour and a well-defined hierarchy:

Accepted Answer

Max Weber's concept of bureaucracy indeed emphasizes the specialization of labor and a well-defined hierarchy as two of its major characteristics, aiming for efficiency and predictability in organizational operations.

Question 4

Chester Barnard was one of the early behaviourists who set the stage for the field of industrial psychology.

Accepted Answer

Chester Barnard was primarily known for his contributions to management theory and organizational studies, particularly through his book "The Functions of the Executive," where he focused on the functions and management of executive work, rather than being an early behaviorist in the field of industrial psychology.

Question 5

Abraham Maslow developed a theory of motivation that made various assumptions about human nature. Although humans aim to fulfil unsatisfied needs, Maslow suggested that group needs take precedence over individual needs.

Accepted Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory primarily focuses on individual needs rather than group needs. It suggests that individuals are motivated to fulfill their own basic needs (such as physiological and safety needs) before moving on to higher-level needs (such as love, esteem, and self-actualization).

Question 6

McGregor suggested that managers who base their management practices on Theory X assumptions are likely to utilise practices that control, direct and coerce employees as a means to motivate or increase productivity.

Accepted Answer

Douglas McGregor's Theory X assumes that employees are inherently lazy and will avoid work if they can, leading managers to adopt a controlling and directive approach to motivate employees and ensure productivity.

Question 7

After World War II, mathematics and information aids supported managerial decision making due to the success of quantitative models.

Accepted Answer

The success of quantitative models during World War II, particularly in operations research, led to the adoption of mathematical and information aids in supporting managerial decision-making in the post-war period.

Question 8

Inputs that are utilised for goods and services production may include informational and human resources.

Accepted Answer

Inputs for the production of goods and services can indeed include informational resources (such as data, knowledge, and expertise) and human resources (such as labor and skills), along with other inputs like physical materials and capital.

Question 9

The characteristic of open systems that enables an organisation to delay or postpone decay and natural disorder is called negative synergy.

Accepted Answer

The characteristic of open systems that enables an organization to delay or postpone decay and natural disorder is called "entropy," not negative synergy. Entropy refers to the natural tendency towards disorder or randomness, and open systems work to reduce entropy through the input of energy and resources. Negative synergy, on the other hand, refers to a situation where the combined effect of a group is less than the sum of their individual effects.

Question 10

Firms are more likely to survive today if they scrap old ways of working in favour of radically redesigned business processes.

Accepted Answer

Firms that adapt by redesigning their business processes to leverage new technologies and meet changing market demands are more likely to survive and thrive in today's rapidly evolving business environment. This approach, often referred to as business process reengineering, can lead to improved efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability.

Question 11

What formed the basis of management viewpoints?

Accepted Answer

The basis of management viewpoints includes behavioral, quantitative, and contemporary perspectives. These viewpoints represent different approaches to managing organizations and understanding employee behavior, decision-making processes, and modern management challenges.

Question 12

To which viewpoint or school of management did Henry Towne, Robert Owen and Charles Babbage contribute?

Accepted Answer

Henry Towne, Robert Owen, and Charles Babbage contributed to the Pre-classical viewpoint or school of management, which predates the more formalized classical and scientific management theories. This school focused on the importance of management practices and the need for skilled labor and efficient production techniques.

Question 13

Who were Robert Owen's employees in the cotton mills?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Who were Robert Owen's employees in the...

Question 14

'The father of scientific management' is considered to be:

Accepted Answer

Fred Taylor is widely recognized as the father of scientific management, due to his contributions to improving industrial efficiency through the application of scientific methods to management practices.

Question 15

Frederick Taylor developed his principles of scientific management largely to tackle what he saw as a major problem in industry. This was:

Accepted Answer

Frederick Taylor developed his principles of scientific management primarily to address the issue of "soldiering," where workers deliberately worked at a slower pace than they were capable of. He believed that by optimizing and simplifying jobs, productivity would increase, and both workers and management would benefit.

Question 16

The key concept in Fred Taylor's four principles of scientific management was the notion that management:

Accepted Answer

Fred Taylor's first principle of scientific management emphasized using scientific methods to determine the most efficient way to perform tasks, which is the foundation of his management philosophy.

Question 17

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth used motion studies to pioneer their respective areas of expertise. What aspect did they not introduce?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth used motion studies...

Question 18

Which of the following was one of the major characteristics of Max Weber's 'ideal bureaucracy'?

Accepted Answer

Weber's ideal bureaucracy emphasizes merit-based selection and promotion, focusing on qualifications and performance.

Question 19

According to the 'acceptance theory of authority' employees more readily accept direction from their supervisor if they:

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to the 'acceptance theory of authority'...

Question 20

Which approach focuses on principles used by managers to coordinate the organisation's internal activities?

Accepted Answer

Administrative management focuses on the principles used by managers to coordinate the organization's internal activities, emphasizing the establishment of a managerial hierarchy and the development of key management functions.

Quiz 2: Pioneering Ideas in Management