Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer - 12
Public Administration Mains 2017 : Model Question and Answer
(Public Administration Paper I / Chapter: Administrative Thought)
Question : What is 'Classical' in Classical theory of organization ? (10 Marks/200 words)
Model Answer :
The classical theory of organization was propounded by set of thinkers who emphasized the structure and basic management of organization as the main aspect of administration. March and Simon have characterized this body of knowledge as ‘administrative management theory’ and its proponents as the ‘developmentalists’. This is known as traditional or classical theory of management.
The word ‘classical’ derives its essence from the combination of the Wilson’s definition of administration and Scientific and departmentalist prescription for organization management and structure. The word refers to heavy reliance on hierarchy as primary instrument for coordination and control .Focussing the bureaucratic theory Weber is also related to the classical approach, but his analysis covered much wider ground. Scientific management also in the classical mould as developed by Taylor and his followers was narrowly conceived as it focussed on efficiency at the operative level.
Henri Fayol, believed that there was a single ‘administrative science’ whose principles were applicable not only to business but also to government, religious and other organisations. To conclude, classical theory strive to orient administration as science by postulating the universal principles of management. (Total Words-183)
(Linkages : Classical and Classical Theory, Classical and Developmentalists, Classical Theory and Henry Fayol, Classical Theory and Max Weber)