Practice Questions on Evolution of Management Thought
This post contains important multiple-choice questions covering classical theories, scientific management, and modern organization theories.
1. The classical theory represents the traditionally accepted views about the organization. Which of the following theories is NOT included under the classical theory of management?
Options:
[a] Human Relations Approach
[b] Bureaucratic Approach
[c] Hawthorne Experiment
[d] Scientific Management
[e] Administrative Functional or Process Approach
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
The classical theory consists of:
Administrative Functional Approach (Henri Fayol)
Scientific Management (F.W. Taylor)
Bureaucratic Approach (Max Weber)
The Hawthorne Experiment is part of the Human Relations Approach, which is not included in classical theory.
2. Who among the following is regarded as the father of general management?
Options:
[a] Chester Barnard
[b] Elton Mayo
[c] Henri Fayol
[d] F.W Taylor
[e] Max Weber
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
Henri Fayol is called the father of general management as he defined 14 principles of management and management functions.
3. If a company does not provide the right place for resources, which principle is violated?
Options:
[a] Division of Work
[b] Unity of Command
[c] Espirit de Corps
[d] Stability of Personnel
[e] Principle of Order
Solution: [e]
Explanation:
The Principle of Order states: "A place for everything and everything in its place."
For efficiency, both materials and personnel should be in suitable places.
4. Which device helps subordinates communicate directly across departments in an emergency?
Options:
[a] Scalar Chain
[b] Gang Plank
[c] Locker Plank
[d] Scale Chain
[e] Communication Planner
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
The Gang Plank concept, introduced by Henri Fayol, allows direct communication bypassing the formal chain to ensure quick decision-making during emergencies.
5. Which principle states that each group of activities must have one head and one plan?
Options:
[a] Unity of Direction
[b] Unity of Direction
[c] Stability of Personnel
[d] Scalar Chain
[e] Division of Work
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Unity of Direction ensures that all employees working on the same objective follow a single plan under one manager.
6. A company has four departments (Finance, Marketing, Production, HR). Identify the management principle applied.
Options:
[a] Centralization and Decentralization
[b] Stability of Personnel
[c] Unity of Direction
[d] Division of Work
[e] Unity of Direction
Solution: [d]
Explanation:
Division of Work states that work should be divided into specialized tasks for higher efficiency.
7. Which principle suggests that employees should be treated with justice and kindness?
Options:
[a] Subordination of Individual Interest
[b] Principle of Equity
[c] Stability of Personnel
[d] Espirit de Corps
[e] Initiative
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
The Principle of Equity promotes fair treatment for all employees, ensuring no discrimination.
8. If an employee receives orders from two superiors, which principle is violated?
Options:
[a] Unity of Direction
[b] Stability of Personnel
[c] Unity of Command
[d] Subordination of Individual Interest
[e] Stability of Personnel
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
Unity of Command ensures that every employee has only one boss to avoid confusion.
9. Which principle states that communication should follow official lines of command?
Options:
[a] Locker Plan
[b] Scale Chain
[c] Gang Plank
[d] Communication Plank
[e] Scalar Chain
Solution: [e]
Explanation:
The Scalar Chain ensures proper communication flow from top to bottom.
10. Which principle promotes team spirit and unity?
Options:
[a] Mental Revolution
[b] Principle of Espirit de Corps
[c] Stability of Personnel
[d] Subordination of Individual Interest
[e] Harmony, Not Discord
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
Espirit de Corps means "Unity is Strength" and encourages teamwork.
11. Which principle emphasizes minimizing labor turnover?
Options:
[a] Equity
[b] Principle of Stability of Personnel
[c] Subordination of Individual Interest
[d] Remuneration of Employees
[e] Functional Foremanship
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
This principle ensures employees remain in their positions long enough to contribute effectively.
12. "Workers should be encouraged to develop and carry out their plans." Identify the principle.
Options:
[a] Espirit de Corps
[b] Remuneration of Employees
[c] Principle of Initiative
[d] Principle of Order
[e] Equity
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
The Principle of Initiative encourages employees to take ownership and innovate.
13. Which principle ensures proper workplace discipline?
Options:
[a] Unity of Command
[b] Unity of Direction
[c] Principle of Order
[d] Principle of Initiative
[e] Principle of Discipline
Solution: [e]
Explanation:
Discipline ensures employees follow organizational rules.
14. Which technique of scientific management ensures the interchangeability of parts?
Options:
[a] Standardization of Work
[b] Espirit de Corps
[c] Initiative
[d] Scalar Chain
[e] Centralization and Decentralization
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Standardization ensures products have consistent quality and specifications.
15. Which technique of scientific management eliminates unnecessary product variety?
Options:
[a] Simplification of Work
[b] Functional Foremanship
[c] Work Study
[d] Differential Piece Wage System
[e] Scientific Selection and Training
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Simplification of Work eliminates superfluous product designs to reduce costs.
16. Which technique of scientific management seeks to find the best way of doing a job?
Options:
[a] Motion Study
[b] Time Study
[c] Method Study
[d] Fatigue Study
[e] Work Measurement
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
Method Study aims to identify the most efficient way to complete a task.
17. "He/she keeps machines, materials, tools, etc. ready for operations by concerned workers." Whose work is described by this sentence under functional foremanship?
Options:
[a] Speed Boss
[b] Gang Boss
[c] Repair Boss
[d] Inspector
[e] Route Clerk
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
In Functional Foremanship, the Gang Boss ensures that all necessary equipment, tools, and materials are ready before work begins.
18. Taylor emphasized that there should be an equal division of work and responsibility between workers and management. Identify the principle.
Options:
[a] Develop a true science for each element of a worker’s job to replace the old rule of thumb
[b] Harmony, not discord
[c] Mental Revolution
[d] Cooperation, not individualism
[e] Development of each and every person to his/her greatest efficiency and prosperity
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
Taylor's principle of "Harmony, Not Discord" emphasizes cooperation between workers and management instead of conflicts.
19. On which principle of management is Taylor’s technique of functional foremanship based?
Options:
[a] Human emotions
[b] Chain of Command
[c] Supervision
[d] Division of Work and Specialization
[e] None of the Above
Solution: [d]
Explanation:
Functional Foremanship is based on Division of Work and Specialization, ensuring that each worker is supervised by multiple specialists rather than one general manager.
20. Which principle of scientific management suggests the introduction of scientific investigation and analysis of management practices?
Options:
[a] Science, not rule of thumb
[b] Harmony, not discord
[c] Cooperation, not individualism
[d] Maximum output
[e] Equal division of responsibility
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Taylor’s "Science, Not Rule of Thumb" suggests replacing traditional trial-and-error methods with scientific study and analysis to increase efficiency.
21. Principle of "cooperation, not individualism" is an extension of which principle given by Taylor?
Options:
[a] Science, not rule of thumb
[b] Cooperation, not individualism
[c] Maximum output
[d] Principle of harmony, not discord
[e] Equal division of responsibility
Solution: [d]
Explanation:
Taylor believed that harmony between workers and management was essential for productivity and long-term success.
22. Which principle does functional foremanship violate?
Options:
[a] Unity of Command
[b] Unity of Direction
[c] Principle of Initiative
[d] Principle of Order
[e] Stability of Personnel
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Since a worker receives instructions from multiple functional managers, it violates the Unity of Command principle, which states that each employee should have only one superior.
23. Which technique of scientific management is an extension of the principle of division of work and specialization on the shop floor?
Options:
[a] Standardization and Simplification of Work
[b] Functional Foremanship
[c] Method Study
[d] Motion Study
[e] Time Study
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
Functional Foremanship is an extension of Division of Work and Specialization, dividing planning and execution responsibilities among multiple supervisors.
24. Name the technique of scientific management that is the strongest motivator for a worker to reach standard performance.
Options:
[a] Functional Foremanship
[b] Standardization and Simplification of Work
[c] Differential Piece Wage System
[d] Method Study
[e] Motion Study
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
The Differential Piece Wage System rewards efficient workers with higher pay and motivates others to improve performance.
25. Identify the principle of Fayol which emphasizes that wages and salaries should be just and equitable.
Options:
[a] Espirit de Corps
[b] Stability of Individual Interest to General Interest
[c] Stability of Personnel
[d] Equity
[e] Remuneration of Employees
Solution: [e]
Explanation:
Remuneration of Employees ensures fair compensation to employees based on work efficiency and company capability.
26. An employee prioritizes maximizing their salary, while the organization focuses on maximizing output. Eventually, the organization’s interest is given priority. Which principle is applied?
Options:
[a] Principle of Scalar Chain
[b] Subordination of Individual Interest to General Interest
[c] Unity of Command
[d] Espirit de Corps
[e] Principle of Equity
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
The interests of the organization should take priority over individual interests
27. According to Max Weber, which three types of legitimate authority exist in organizations?
Options:
[a] Traditional Authority, Rational Legal Authority, Charismatic Authority
[b] Rational Legal Authority, Charismatic Authority, Expert Authority
[c] Charismatic Authority, Expert Authority, Reward Authority
[d] Expert Authority, Reward Authority, Traditional Authority
[e] Reward Authority, Traditional Authority, Rational-Legal Authority
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Weber identified three legitimate types of authority:
1. Traditional Authority – Based on heritage (e.g., monarchy).
2. Rational-Legal Authority – Based on laws and organizational hierarchy (e.g., CEO).
3. Charismatic Authority – Based on personal influence and leadership (e.g., revolutionary leaders).
28. Who is considered the father of the Human Relations Approach?
Options:
[a] Chester Barnard
[b] Elton Mayo
[c] Henri Fayol
[d] F.W. Taylor
[e] Max Weber
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
Elton Mayo pioneered the Human Relations School, emphasizing that social factors affect productivity.
29. Which of the following statements about the Hawthorne Studies is correct?
Options:
[a] Conducted by George Elton Mayo
[b] Workers react individually rather than in groups
[c] Informal communication channels do not exist in organizations
[d] Monetary incentives alone drive productivity
[e] None of the above
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
Hawthorne Studies found that group dynamics and social factors influence productivity.
30. Which point is NOT associated with the Behavioral Science Approach?
Options:
[a] Focused on interpersonal relations
[b] Multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary in nature
[c] Applies research to solve organizational problems
[d] Focuses on employees from a humanistic point of view
[e] Does not study motivation, leadership, and communication
Solution: [e]
Explanation:
Behavioral Science Approach does study motivation, leadership, and communication.
31. Who propounded the Social System Approach?
Options:
[a] Henry Gantt
[b] Chester Barnard
[c] Henry Ford
[d] Adam Smith
[e] Agustin Reyes
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
According to Chester Barnard, an organization is a cooperative social system.
32. What is the term for a rapidly changing and uncertain environment?
Options:
[a] Placid Clustered
[b] Turbulent Field
[c] Disturbed Reactive
[d] Strict Active
[e] Placid Randomized
Solution: [b]
Explanation:
A Turbulent Field requires dynamic strategies for business survival.
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