Major schools of management thought
The historical context and evolution of management thinking can be understood in the following framework:
Classical management approaches focus on developing universal principles for use in management situations.
Behavioural (or human resource) management approaches focus on human needs, the work group and the role of social factors in the workplace.
Quantitative management approaches focus on applying mathematical techniques to assist managerial decision making and problem solving.
Modern (or systems/contingency) approaches to management view organisations as a collection of interrelated parts, requiring management practices to adapt to situational demands.