SOCI 1010 Study Guide - Final Guide: Shoppers Drug Mart, Elton Mayo
5 Apr 2014
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General Comments
This is a very strong answer (13/15) because it takes a balanced approach to discussing the strengths and
appropriateness of behavioural approaches to management, and it is well-supported with examples.
Specific Comments
The answer begins with a very good definition of behavioural approaches which taps into the "human side" of
organizational life.
The reference to Mayo as a key theorist is useful.
An example is provided and the student explains how this company reflects the behavioural approach.
The student makes good use of his personal work experience, and moreover ties this experience to Follett's ideas.
Key Recommendations for Improving this Answer
Use of the terms "valid" and "invalid" is problematic here--and throughout the essay, including the final sentence.
The answer ends very weakly and vaguely. A brief conclusion is especially important in this type of answer (where
two different approaches have been discussed). Certainly, there should be some effort to indicate that the strength of
either approach to management connects closely to the type of product, the nature of employees, the nature of the
industry, etc.
Part II--Essay Question #1
The Behavioural Approaches to management are the only way to succeed in today�s business environment.
Discuss this statement by drawing on relevant examples from the course or from your own experience. (15
marks)
Behavioural approaches to management are managerial perspectives that consider the social and human side of
organizations. This approach says that to achieve maximum productivity an understanding of human needs is
essential. There are both valid and invalid points to this statement. It is true that many successful companies follow
the behavioural approaches of Elton Mayo, who says that organizations are social systems and that managing
involves social interaction with employees. Companies such as Microsoft who encourage innovation, incorporate
behavioural approaches to management in their organization by having motivators speak to employees, and
developing a fun and energetic working environment. Employees respond to encouragement and feel needed by
allowing them to make decisions and work jointly with managers and collaborate with others. Mary Parker Folletts
view of that is correct to me because when my manager at Shoppers Drug Mart asks for my input or decision to a
problem, I feel like a valued member of the organization and am willing to put more effort into my work since it is
being appreciated and noticed. It is only practical for an organization to use behavioural approaches if it involves
work with many members of the organization. However, this statement is also invalid since successful companies
such as McDonalds do not use a behavioural approach to management. McDonalds uses a more Classical Approach
to management which involves theories such as Scientific Management, Administrative Management, and
Bureaucratic Management. These management styles involve standardizing the work where work is simple, easy
and inexpensive. There are clear rules on how to perform a job which leads to clear and efficient work. There are
also rules and procedures employees must follow. Work is divided among employees and they specialize in one area
as do managers. Managers should take charge in only an area of their expertise. Separate the mental work of
managers from the physical work of the labourers. This type of management is common in manufacturing such as
the automotive industry, where products move along the production line. Although this statement is valid, it is also
invalid since many successful food restaurants such as McDonalds do not use this type of management.
