Tuesday, September 2, 2008

TAYLOR VS. FAYOL (Compare-Contrast Essay)

TAYLOR VS. FAYOL
Compare – Contrast Essay


The administrative thinking is characterized by its diversity of approaches and its current status is complex and dynamic, especially when it wants to respond the questions related to management organizations. Two of the most important administrative theories are the Frederick W. Taylor and Henri Fayol’s theories, so, in this essay I will show you some differences and similarities between these two theories.

There are some similarities between the theories of Taylor and Fayol. For instance, both men wrote during the same time period, at the beginning of the XX century. In addition, both belonged to the same school of administrative thinking: The Classical Theory, so, both are focused on increasing productivity of the company with the efficiency and rationalization of workforce. And the most important similarity is that both made important contributions to the administrative thinking that today are used by the most of managers.

On the other hand, there are also differences between the theories of Taylor and Fayol, such as, while Taylor was concerned with first-line managers and the scientific method, Fayol's attention was directed toward the activities of all managers in general. Besides, another difference is that Taylor emphasized on the tasks, implementing methods and techniques of engineering to replace empirical methods and increase worker productivity, whereas, Fayol emphasized on the functionality and organizational structure, dividing the work in functional areas and executing the general principles of any organization: Planning, Organizing, Leading, Coordinating and Controlling.

In conclusion, these two men and their theories in some ways opposing but complementary, show as the classic approach of the administration and teach us that the particularity and proper integration of both theories depend on each organization and the context in which it operates.
By: Tatiana Romero

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