Introducing: Management History

So last night's LBSC 635 was much improved. I found out that I had been doing the required reading and all of the supplemental suggested readings (Ms. DTM struck again). So I have much less homework than I realized. Yipee! Also, I felt like I was starting to get a handle on the jargon used in the last class. And I really enjoyed the introduction to management theory that we had last night.

Allow me to start by clearing up the jargon. The key terms for LBSC 635 this semester are: Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Leading, and Controlling. I'm still having a hard time differentiating these concepts in my mind. To me planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (to a lesser extent) really are all synonyms. But I guess over the course of this class I will learn how to differentiate between them.

So we did a very brief overview of scientific management, human relations management, and systems management. Scientific management focuses on the work being done. The point of scientific management is to study the task and implement an organizational structure which will bring about the best output with the least effort. Human relations management focuses on the employees. It studies the motivation of the employees and uses psychology to improve worker output. Finally systems management focuses on relationships between parts of the organization and between the organization and its communities. I can see the utility of all three types of management. Every organization probably needs a varying degree of attention to each management type. So what type of management do you prefer?

Since I'm going to have more time for reading in my schedule, any management books that you've enjoyed and would recommend?

Have a great day and keep smiling! :)