Management Basics

Theories of Learning

Learning is an important psychological process that-determines human behavior. Learning can be defined as “relatively permanent change in behavior that occurs as a result of experience or reinforced practice”.

Important theories of learning are:

1. Classical Conditioning

The work of the famous Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov demonstrated the classical conditioning process. When Pavlov presented a piece of meat to the dog in the experiment, Pavlov noticed a great deal of salivation. He termed the food an unconditioned stimulus and the salivation an unconditioned response. When the dog saw the meat, it salivated. On the other hand, when Pavlov merely rang a bell, the dog did not salivate.… Read the rest

Abey Francis

Organisation Structure – Meaning and Types

An organisation structure is a set of planned relationships between groups of related functions and between physical factors and personnel required for the performance of the functions. The organisation structure is generally shown on the organisation chart. It shows authority and responsibility between various positions in the enterprises by showing who reports to whom. Organisation structure lays down the pattern of communication and coordination in the enterprises.

Though organisation structure is very important, it is not an end in itself. According to Peter F. Drucker, “Organisation is not an end itself, but a means to end of business performances and business results.

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Span of Management Types

Span of management directly affects the number of levels in the organization. Span of management is of two types; Wider span of management and Narrow span of management.   Wider span of management leads to flat organization whereas narrow span of management result in tall organization structure. The principle of span of management does not by itself resolve the conflict between the advantages to tall organization and that of a flat one.

Narrow spans lead to many levels in the organization and thus required a larger number of managers. This, in turn, leads to larger expenses in the form of executive remuneration.… Read the rest

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Principles of Organization Structure

Traditional organisation theorists developed certain principles of organization structure. These principles are intended for universal application to all enterprises. The most important of these principles of  organization structure  can be listed under the following heads:

1. Division of  Labor  or Specialization

The classicists viewed specialization as the basis of efficiency. A group of individuals can secure better results by having division of work. F.W. taylor applied by breaking down jobs into single repetitive tasks performed on specialized tools. At higher levels, however, grouping jobs into manageable units and their co-ordination can pose serious problems.

The principle of specializations has been challenged by the behaviorists and others.… Read the rest

Abey Francis

Motivation – Definition, Process, Types, Features and Importance

Definitions of  Motivation

The word Motivation derives from the   Latin word “Movere”. The Latin word “Movere” means “To move”, “To drive” or “To drive forward” etc.  Motivation can be defined as stimulating, inspiring and inducing the employees to perform to their best capacity. Motivation is a psychological term which means it cannot be forced on employees. It comes automatically from inside the employees as it is the willingness to do the work.

Joe Kelly  defined Motivation as “Motivation is a process where by needs instigate behavior directed towards the goals that can satisfy those needs.”

According to W. G. Scot, “Motivation means a process of stimulating people to action to accomplish the desired goals.”

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Leadership Qualities – Top Qualities that Make a Great Leader

Leadership is a process of influencing the behavior of people at work towards the achievement of specified goal. The following elements must be present in the leadership:

  • It is the process of influence;
  • The influence is always for achievement of common goal;
  • There must be minimum two or more persons present; influencing your own behavior is not leadership.
  • The influence should be to get the willing co-operation of the employees and not the forceful co-operation.

Most Important  Leadership Qualities

A person must possess the following qualities to be a good and effective leader.

  1. Physical qualities. Good physical features attract people.
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Abey Francis