Foundational Philosophies of Management - Literature review Example

Foundational Philosophies of Management Paper Introduction Management philosophers are often viewed as the founders of management philosophies. Thesephilosophies largely influence the behaviors of the approaches of the business mangers towards motivating their respective subordinates (Pearson Education, 2014; Norton, 2008). By taking into concern the above discussed aspect, the essay intends to identify and analyze the article of a foundational management philosopher and also contrast the same with other authors relevant to the above filed. In this regard, Oliver Sheldon has been taken into concern as the foundational management philosopher whose works will be contrasted with various other philosophers belonging to the similar field. The main focal point of the essay is to understand the similarities along with the differences prevailing between the authors by evaluating their thoughts that they put forward and emphasize identifying the central subject or theory on which the articles are based. The final section of the essay will also assess the implications that deciphered by the central theory or subject matter of the articles. Summary of Oliver Sheldon’s’ Management Philosophy Sheldon (2004) stated in the book “The Philosophy of Management” that the key problem of this industrialized world mainly lay in creating a balance between ‘humanity of production’ and ’things of production’. As per the observation made by Sheldon (2004), an industry is deemed to be the ‘body of men’ rather than just a ‘mass of machine and technical processes.’ Sheldon (2004), in the book put emphasis on the requirement of developing strong association between the employers and workforce. This relationship will certainly help in understanding their respective specific roles along with responsibilities that will further support in achieving the predetermined organizational objectives at large. Furthermore, Sheldon (2004) proposed that employees must receive adequate help from their superiors while performing varied operational functions in diverse working environment. Apart from this, the employees of any organization ought to be provided with utmost security concerning their involuntary unemployment and obtaining adequate profit shares with respect to their individual contribution (Sheldon, 2004; Roth, 1994). A respectful coordination and better relationship amid various groups within a particular organization eventually plays an imperative role in the domain of designing effective management philosophies. In this respect, Sheldon (2004) in the above stated book stressed on the theme that whatever the situation is, the management of an organization must remain as the key controlling force in the industry, preserving better relationship with its various subordinates. Summarization and Contrast of the Articles Notably, numerous management philosophers and researchers have made immense contribution in framing diverse management philosophies wherein their main intention laid on attaining predetermined business targets by building greater communication with every organizational member and preserving the same for an extended time period (Dakare & Sulaimon, 2011). In this context, one of such philosophers named Frederick Winslow Taylor stated that the organizations by applying the concept of scientific management can increase their productivity and managerial efficiency in the form of motivating the employees towards conducting their respective works efficiently (Taylor, 2007). In this regard, the article authored by Matushita (2011) reflects on stating the fact that efficient management is performed by human beings. It thus reflects why a company exists, its purpose, mode of operation and the method of managing teams among others. According to Matushita (2011), the notion of corporate movement involves the key concepts that must be considered as quite important. In this regard, these concepts included technology, marketing, financial and personnel management. In order to create a sound management philosophy, these factors ought to be considered by the management of an organization to attain its predetermined business targets. The article explores the manner in which development of sound management and framing effective strategies contribute in attaining the overall business objectives that ultimately enhances the profitability of the organizations at large. Furthermore, the article of Matushita (2011) also revealed that the participants including the employees, customers and other major stakeholders involved with an organization play an imperative role towards developing the managerial performances. Further, the article of Matushita (2011) added that in order to frame effective business strategies and comprehensive management philosophies, there must lay a better understanding between the employers and the personnel of any organization irrespective of any hierarchical level. It will be vital to mention in this similar concern that the management philosophy proposed by Matushita (2011) can be a reflection of the philosophy propounded by Sheldon (2004) based on the ground that both the authors given prior importance over practicing efficient management practices and considering the same behind the success of any organization. Sheldon’s management philosophy also put special emphasis on employees’ involvement within varied organizations through the support of superiors. In contrast, Matushita (2011) revealed that designing a sound management by better understanding of human nature and mission of the overall organization is quite essential. Based on this philosophy, management vision, corporate strategies and action plans are established (Polwatte, 2012; 2Matushita, 2012; 1Matushita, 2011; Chia & Holt, 2009). On the other hand, the article written by Ole F. Kirkeby reflected about the new field of business philosophy. The article presented the view of the uncompromising picture of the organizational leaders through a set of leadership qualities that focus on human duties rather than human rights. The article stated that through focusing on varied philosophies, organizations can form a better working environment, which in turn will help them to overcome varied functional challenges relating to opportunism and pragmatics. The article further revealed that the contribution made by a qualified leader in effectively distributing the entire tasks and activities throughout various departments will ultimately help in fulfilling the desired organizational objectives. While comparing the views of the articles presented by Sheldon and Kirkeby, it can be ascertained that the findings of Kirkeby remained much focused in determining varied leadership characteristics in sound management culture. Justifiably, greater teamwork rightly contributes in meeting the performance objectives of an organization at large. In contrast, Sheldon focuses on determining the significance of performing any task in a collaborative manner towards complying with the performance objectives of the organizations belonging to this modern day context (Koslowski, 2010; 2Kirkeby, 2008; 3Kirkeby, 2004; 1Kirkeby, 2000). In the 350-word narrative of the research trail or path that led to Oliver Sheldon, management philosophers seemed to play imperative roles in developing the working climate, which in turn, influences the behaviors of the employees of an organization as well. Oliver Sheldon, during the year 1923, provided a major thought in forming a strong management environment, which will aid in attaining the predetermined business targets of organizations. Using the Journal Article Analysis as a guide, the articles presented diverse theories along with methodologies based on which the performance objectives of an organization can be ascertained. Specially mentioning, the theories along with the methodologies that have been framed by the philosophers in their respective articles revealed the significance of maximizing the intellectual resources prevailing within a specific organization. Matushita (2011) emphasized determining sound management principles, whereas, Kirkeby (2008) depicted efficient leadership roles in attaining predetermined business targets. Through synthesizing the articles of the philosophers that have been analyzed and compared in the above section, it can be concluded that the behavioral attitudes of management team of any organization play an imperative role towards mitigating varied functional challenges face by the organizations while performing their respective operational functions. Furthermore, it can also be ascertained that the common denominator in the articles analyzed above is the urgency in the requirement of building coordination between various groups. Nevertheless, the above mentioned articles can be found to be quite helpful for the readers while acquiring a brief idea about the creation of a better and effective working climate within a particular business organization. Conclusion From the above analysis and discussion, it can be comprehended that the articles presented by different managerial philosophers focused on upsurging the need of building a collaborative working environment within an organization. Thus, it can be concluded that the traditional theories and principles of management propounded by various philosophers like Sheldon, Kirkeby and Matushita can found to be quite useful in acquiring an in-depth understanding about the significance of promoting teamwork and mutual collaboration towards the attainment of predetermined organizational targets. References Chia, R. C. H., & Holt, R. (2009). Strategy without design: the silent efficacy of indirect action. England: Cambridge University Press. Dakare, O., & Sulaimon, A. (2011). Theoretical perspectives on the issues of management thought. The Nigerian Journal of Research and Production, 18(2), 1-11. 1Kirkeby, O. (2000). Management philosophy: a radical-normative perspective. New Jersey: SAGE. 2Kirkeby, O. (2008). The virtue of leadership. Denmark: Copenhagen Business School Press DK. 3Kirkeby, O. (2004). Theory and politics in organization. Ephemera, 4(3), 177-180. Koslowski, P. (2010). Elements of a philosophy of management and organization. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Science & Business Media. 1Matushita, K. (2010). Elements of a philosophy of management and organization. Belmont, MA: John Wiley & Sons. 2Matushita, K. (2012). The million-dollar knack for successful management. United Kingdom: PHP. Norton, D.P. (2008). What is your strategy management philosophy? Balanced Scorecard Report: The Strategy Execution Source, 10(6), 1-6. Polwatte, P. (2012). Japanese philosophy Konosuke Matsuchita’s business spirit. Retrieved from http://archives.dailynews.lk/2012/06/06/bus40.asp Pearson Education. (2014). Developing a theory and philosophy of management. Retrieved from http://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/hip/us/hip_us_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205961118.pdf Roth, W. (1994). The evolution of management theory: past, present, future. United States: CRC Press. Samaras, J. T. (1927). Management application. Retrieved from http://www.esf.edu/for/germain/Samaras_Follett.pdf Sheldon, O. (2004). The philosophy of management. New York: SAGE. Taylor, F. W. (2007). The principles of scientific management. United States: Filiquarian Publishing. Read More