The Progress of Management

             Henri Fayol’s ideas of management were well thought out but for some reason largely

ignored.  It seems ironic that they were largely dismissed but would later be a foundation for modern

management theories.  Fayol’s ideas of management may not have been popular because it was not

taught in schools. His ideas were more humanistic and at the time as defining roles in business was not

a popular idea. Many of Fayol’s ideas have been adapted by modern business theorists and are in use

today, not just for private sector employment but as well in government and military. 

             Humanistic management theories have taken hold because of what I consider the progression

of human thought and behavior.  We of course have more privileges because of technology but most

countries in Western societies are advanced as everyone rich or poor has the chance to receive an

education.  We are more aware of the human condition and take into account the thoughts and feelings

of others.  Today’s employees would like to be supervisors to be more personable and be able for them

to understand personal problems that go on in their lives.  The working population brings more of their

personal lives into work than then during Fayol’s time.  Though the old way of the boss being a stern

unapproachable figure still take place but as younger generations move up into management positions,

the more interpersonal they’ll look to be.

             Yelling at people and being intimidating still take place but is not looked at as a way to get the

most out of your employees now.  Even though someone who is in a supervisory position can use

these methods it will be someone who’s more approachable and able to coach or be “personable” that

will get the most out of their employees.  The work place is a more diverse area as now more females

as well as many different ethnicities are in corporate management.  Having an understanding of

everyone is important, even formal or informal discussions about differences are important as it can

bring more tolerance and understanding.  It can bring an esprit de corps to the workplace but a strong

company mission statement unifies everyone towards a common goal. 

              I would say that Henry Mintzburg and Rosemary Stewart’s ideas cover what is needed in

today’s workplace. Mintzburg’s interpersonal, informational and decisional ideas as well as Stewart’s

demands, constraints and choices are important for current managers to use in the workplace. I believe

to keep subordinates informed is very important, they are likely to engage and take their work

seriously as they feel they are part of something.  Taking input from subordinates also makes them

feel like they are important. A manager should allow their personnel to work free but understand that

there is a boss involved and accountability will always be in place.