Management Scholar Report

Report on Management Scholar - Mary Parker Follett

Scholar: Mary Parker Follett (September 3, 1868 – December 18, 1933) was an American social worker, management consultant, philosopher, and pioneer in the fields of organizational theory and organizational behavior.

1. What is the scholar known for?

Mary Parker Follett is well known in the field of management theory for her humanistic and social viewpoint on management structures within organizations. Follett’s management principles to laid the foundation for much of the modern management theory ideas in use today. She was known for being one of the trail blazers of feminist organizational theory.

1. How did his/her ideas fit into the management conversation of the day?

Follett's work contributed to modern management theory examining how organizational structures function and the hierarchies of authority within a group. She studied productivity, power structures and dispute resolution.

She felt that conflict resolution was an alternative way to resolve disputes so that they outcome is a balanced result of involved parties interests. Follett believed in the concept of democracy, community involvement and cooperation.

1. What has been the impact of this person's ideas since the time of their writing?

Follett pioneered the understanding of lateral structures within hierarchical organizations which led directly to the creation of matrix-style organizations. She promoted the idea of "integration," or noncoercive power-sharing based on the use of her concept of "power with" rather than "power over” someone.

Follett contributed greatly to the win-win philosophy, coining the term in her work with groups. She was also a pioneer in the establishment of community centers.

1. How can you see these ideas in your own organizations today?

Her work directly relates to the matrix organizational structure which is a company structure where relationships are set up as a grid, or matrix, rather than in the traditional hierarchy. This is where employees have dual reporting relationships - generally to both a functional manager and a product manager.

The matrix organizational structure was a new concept because it brings together employees and managers from different departments to work toward accomplishing one goal. The matrix structure is a combination of the functional and divisional structures. Functional organized employees and communication within departments by functions, while divisional divides them by location, products, or customer base.