How has our understanding of management changed over time?

Hello Class:

Upon review of the article The Management Century (Kiechel III, 2012), it appears that management has evolved from symbolizing an individuals’ superiority and separatism from laborers in the organization (e.g. boss/ labor) to transcending into tri-level positions of executive, middle and lower management, each providing a different organizational leadership.

 

Although productivity is a concern for managers, past supervisors were not disturbed with measures that inspire or contribute to the output such as working conditions, pay scales, employee sense of value and other factors relevant to morale/drive. Focus was more on power rather than leadership, and productivity rather than humanity.

Mangers of today still represent authority, yet although the hierarchy structure is usually obviously defined, each tier is held accountable for the objectives relevant to their positions: planning, operation and function, respectively (Bierman, Ferrell & Ferrell, 2016). Effective management also requires interpersonal communication skills as prerequisites for successful leadership.

I think the understanding of management over time still has the premise of oversee; however, the practices in which it is applied have evolved: legislative mandates have forced enactment of corporate policies regarding management, and employee rights; and advances in technology has made it possible to remotely manage individuals/groups. Another view of management that has changed over time is that managers have short days and better salaries; although the latter is likely true, depending on level and responsibility, managers often have longer hours (Kiechel III, 2012).

Ayana

Bierman, L., Ferrell, O. & Ferrell, L. (2016), Management principles and applications, 3^rd edition, Academic Media Solutions, Solon, OH

Kiechel III, W. (2012). The Management Century. Harvard Business Review, 90(11)

 

RESPOND TO:MARVIS

 

Evolution of Management

Read the article, “The Management Century”. Based on the content presented in the article, describe the evolution of management and how management practices have changed over time.  How has our understanding of management changed over time? Why has it evolved in the ways that it has?

Guided Response: Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. In your response, discuss why you agree or disagree with your classmates’ choices.

Management has definitely evolved over the years. Originally, management was consumed with trying to control their employees, the processes utilized and the information. Times have changed significantly due to technology and these advances in technology mean that old processes no longer work as they did in the past. The old process of people just being compliant were not enough for companies and organizations that are trying to be innovative. One main differences is that employees had to be involved in the processes to be more successful. Management, prior to evolution, was more of a top down approach but due to a changing world there was a need to become more inspirations and participatory.

Management originally was looked at as more of a scientific process. The process was based on pushing productivity and efficiency through standard processes, separating labor, centralization and hierarchy. Originally, the control factor was really important. As time moved on, organizations started moving toward functionality and engaging HR more in the process. As time progressed, organizations begin to plan more strategically and implementing processes like SWOT. Organizations understood the need for changes and with competition really becoming more pronounced there was a need to develop some advantages to set organizations apart from their competitors. One of those advantages, our company employs and utilizes is Sigma Six and Lean which are pretty intense but effective. It really focused on involving the employees.

How has our understanding of management changed over time?

Management has come to the conclusion that in order to be successful, there has to be innovative practices integrated and inclusion of the employees. Management’s understanding that engaging employees in problem solving and innovation are key to moving forward.

Why has it evolved in the ways that it has?

Management has evolved because of innovation and steeper competition. Technology has been the keep driver of these changes. Advanced technology has created better ways to create products at faster rates. The interjection of allowing employees to be more involved is key as well because they are able to verbalize to upper management of processes that are working and those that are not as successful

Kiechel III, W. (2012, November). The management century. Harvard Business Review, 90(11), 63-75.  Retrieved August 28, 2017