Classical Management Theory and Human Relations Theory

Classical Management theory and Human Relations theory have played an vital role in the history of modern management .It is two qualitative leap of modern management system. As two relatively complete system of Management theory, Classical Management theory and Human Relations theory has made its own unique contribution. This essay aims to identify key similarities and differences between two theory by comparing detailed aspects which including focus, the comprehension of structure ,basic assumptions of person and the task of leader, simultaneously, exploring how Classical Management theory and Human Relations theory can reconcile the incompatibilities between the approaches.

Classical Management theory was developed during the Industrial Revolution in order to deal withthe problem about inefficiency in the factories. it mainly contained of Weber(1922)'s Bureaucratic management,Taylor(1911)'s Scientific Management and Fayol(1925)'s General Management Principles. As Taylor (1911) wrote in his books "the purpose of scientific management is how achieve the maximum efficiency ",these theory highlighted the importance of using scientific and standardized methods in workplace ; pointed out the study will continue to improve the working methods; determine the many principles to operate the organization more efficiently and emphasized the salary as a potential factor of motivation.

Human Relation theory was proposed by a America behavioral scientist named Mayo (1933) after that Classical Management theory had been presented for nearly 20 years . According to Meyao (1933)the most important factor that effected the productivity are not condition and treatment ,but the human relation in workplace.Human Relation theory stressed the importance of human factors ;advocated improving managers’ interpersonal skills and changing leadership; emphasized the informal organization

Classical Management theory and Human Relations theory contain many aspects that share differences and few aspects share similarities. Firstly, on focus,the classical management approach emphasized a concern for task (output).Thus, using the methods of Optimization of techniques and strict management in order to improve workers output is what the classical management theory concentrate on. In contrast ,the Human Relations Approach focuses on both the workers themselves and efficiency, This aimed at increasing the work productivity through satisfaction and collaboration.

Secondly ,according to the comprehension of organizational structure .in Classical Management approach . The organizational structure should be formal and clearly. Weber (1922) wrote that an ideal administrative structure has characteristics which including: a clear organizational division of labor ;a top-down hierarchy; a professional management system and a strict independent rules and discipline. Whereas the Human Relations Theory