Behavioral Viewpoint: Behaviorism, Human Relations, and Behavioral Science

• behavioral viewpoint: emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior and motivating employees towards achievement

• developed over 3 phases:

  1. early behaviorism

  2. the human relations movement

  3. behavioral science

• human relations movement: better human relations could increase worker productivity

  • pioneered by Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) and Douglas McGregor (1906-1964)

• behavioral science: relies on scientific research for developing theories about human behavior that can be used to provide practical tools for managers

  • includes the disciplines of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and economics

Historical Perspective: Quantitative Viewpoints

• quantitative viewpoint: application of quantitative techniques, such as statistics and computer simulations, to management

  • includes:

    1. operations management

    2. evidence-based management

  • applies statistics, optimization models, information models, computer simulations, and other quantitative techniques to the management process

Quantitative Viewpoint: Operations Management

• operations management: focuses on managing the production and delivery of an organizations products or services more effectively

  • concerned with:

    • work scheduling

    • production planning

    • facilities location and design

    • optimum inventory levels

Quantitative Viewpoint: Evidence-Based Management

• evidence-based management: translating principles based on best evidence into organizational practice, and bringing rationality to the decision-making process

  • research should follow the scientific method:

    • observe events and gather facts

    • pose a possible solution or explanation based on those facts

    • make a prediction of future events

    • test the prediction under systematic conditions