This approach is opposed to one size fits all formula approach. According to this approach, there is no single way or best way to address a given problem situation. This approach is the very latest approach of existing approaches. Change in the technical system is called for, if the social and technical systems do not go hand in hand. This approach thus lays emphasis on production, office operations, etc. This approach is based on the belief that personal attitudes and group behaviour are influenced by the technical system in which people work. The Socio Technical Systems Approach (E.L. Human factor in management is no less important.ĩ. They cannot be reduced to any mathematical formula. There are other complicated areas of management which involve people.
They can at best serve as tools helping the process of judgement. Mathematical models can never replace sound judgement. But with all these advantages, one must be conscious of the limitations of this school of thought. Operations Research, mathematical tools, simulation and model building are the basic methodologies developed by this school of thought. Management problems can be described in mathematical symbols. The different problems are capable of being quantified and expressed in the form of models (equations). Each aspect should not be studied in isolation but must be examined in relation to the entire system as a whole.
Thus, the main focus of systems approach is on the interdependence and interrelatedness of the various subsystems. Similarly an organization is also viewed as a system made up of several parts in the form of departments while each department is independent and accomplishes specific predetermined goals all are coordinated by the top management.įor example, to decide on expanding the productive capacity, data from other departments in charge of product planning, market research, finance etc., are collected because the action of one department influences the action of others.
Every system is made up of several subsystems. A system is composed of related and interdependent elements forming a unitary whole. This approach regards an enterprise as a system. Systems Approach to Management (Systems Management School) : This approach views management as a centre receiving information, processing it and disseminating it thus emphasizing the role of communication in management of business.ħ. Thus, this approach lays emphasis on the importance of leadership, motivation of people at work and the influence of work environment. This seeks to solve problems by applying psychology to management. This school believes that when people work together to accomplish objectives, people should understand one another. Since management involves getting things done through people, this approach concentrates on the human aspects of management. The Interpersonal Behaviour Approach (Behaviour School) : Further, it is forgotten that what fits one enterprise may not fit another.Ģ. Thus, no new strategy is evolved and little effort is made to blaze new trails. Whenever a problem arises, the managers would seek guidance by referring to the experience of those managers who would have solved similar problems. A study of the successes and failures of outstanding managers is made. This approach analyses management by studying the case histories of successful managers. This is based on the belief that, experience is the best guide to knowledge. The Empirical or Case Approach Management by Custom School :