---
title: "Models of management"
subject: "Organization and Management"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_7/organization_and_management:management-models"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/organization_and_management/management-models
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Models of management

Organization and Management · Chapter 3: Theory of Management

- Asked in: 2070 Chaitra, 3+5 marks
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/organization_and_management/management-models
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/organization_and_management/chapter-3

## Question

Name the different models of management. Explain any three of them in detail.

## Short answer

Management models include scientific, administrative, bureaucratic, behavioral, quantitative, systems, contingency, and Japanese (Theory Z). Scientific management (Taylor) focuses on efficiency through methods like time study and piece-rate pay. The behavioral model (Hawthorne studies) emphasizes motivation, participation, and social relations. The systems model views the organization as interrelated parts converting inputs to outputs with feedback.

## Answer

#### Models (schools) of management
1. Scientific management (classical) model.
2. Administrative (classical) model.
3. Bureaucratic model.
4. Behavioral / human relations model.
5. Quantitative (management science) model.
6. Systems model.
7. Contingency (situational) model.
8. Japanese model (Theory Z).

#### Three models in detail
**1. Scientific management (F.W. Taylor).** Focuses on increasing productivity of workers through scientific methods. Principles: science instead of rule of thumb, scientific selection and training, management-worker cooperation, and division of responsibility. Tools: time and motion study, standardization, differential piece-rate pay. Strength: higher efficiency and output. Weakness: ignores human needs; monotonous work.

**2. Behavioral model (Elton Mayo and others).** Based on the Hawthorne studies, it shows that productivity depends on social relations, attention, group norms and satisfaction. Managers should use participation, communication and motivation (Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor). Strength: improved morale and human relations. Weakness: neglects technical efficiency and is hard to measure.

**3. Systems model.** An organization is seen as a system of interrelated parts (subsystems) that takes inputs, converts them and gives outputs while interacting with its environment.

```text
Inputs -> [Process] -> Outputs
  ^                      |
  +------ Feedback ------+
```

Strength: encourages a holistic view and coordination between departments (for example, NEA's generation, transmission and distribution). Weakness: it is abstract and gives little practical guidance.

The contingency model, for example, says "it depends": the best method varies with the situation, and a good manager chooses accordingly.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. The systems model sees an organization as:
   A. A fixed hierarchy
   B. Interrelated subsystems taking inputs, converting them and giving outputs
   C. A group of friends
   D. A set of rules
   Answer: B. Holistic view. (Key point: Systems model)

2. A weakness of the systems model:
   A. Ignores departments
   B. Too narrow
   C. It is abstract with little practical guidance
   D. No feedback
   Answer: C. Stated in the answer. (Key point: Systems weakness)

3. The contingency model says:
   A. One best way exists
   B. Only money motivates
   C. Structure never changes
   D. The best method varies with the situation
   Answer: D. It depends. (Key point: Contingency)

4. Strength of scientific management:
   A. Higher efficiency and output
   B. Meets social needs
   C. Holistic view
   D. Flexibility
   Answer: A. But monotonous. (Key point: Scientific strength)

## Related in Organization and Management

- [Behavioral vs scientific management theory](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Forganization_and_management%3Abehavioral-vs-scientific) — Organization and Management, chapter 3

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