Introduction to Max Weber

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Recommended: Evolution of classical management theory

Max Weber( Bureaucracy, power and control).

Fredrick Taylor ( Scientific Management).

Henri Fayol (Administration).

Also it is essential to have an over all view of the three theories and a critical comparison to reflect on how much these theories have contributed to classical theory of business.

Definition of management:

(1)Management takes place within a structured organizational setting with prescribed roles. It is directed towards the achievement of aims and objectives through influencing the efforts of others.

Max Weber: ( 1864 - 1920)

(2)" Bureaucracy is the rule conducted from a desk or office" i.e. by the preparation and dispatch of written documents.

Bureaucratic administration means the exercise of control on the basis of knowledge.

It is believed that Weber thought of bureaucracy as the most efficient form of organization.

Weber based his theory on the following factors:

· The organization of official functions governed by rules.

· Specialization

· A clearly defined hierarchy of offices.

· Rules.

· Impersonality.

· Free selection of appointed officials.

· Full- time paid officials.

· Career officials.

· Private/ public split

· Systematic discipline and control of officials work

The characteristics of bureaucracy

· It is organized according to rational principles.

· Offices are ranked in a hierarchal order and their operation are characterized by impersonal rule.

· Appointments are made according to specialization and qualifications rather than ascriptive criteria .

· The activities required in an bureaucratic organization is distributed in a fixed way as official duties

...

... middle of paper ...

...on set of codes and rules.

Control: the control of the organization is based on the authority and power exercised to achieve the objectives of any organization.

Each employee is given a title with this title comes the tasks and the type of authority the employee is expected to perform, the employee has little or no authority outside that title. In the office of hierarchy there is different levels of super- and subordination and there is a supervision of the lower offices by the higher ones.

The division makes it possible for control since all tasks are well defined and orders function from upper management to down in the hierarchy ladder.

Rules and regulations are intentionally designed without consideration to personal or emotional motives, such rules will prevent distortion of employees rational judgment in carrying out their assigned duties.

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