ABSTRACT

In the first years of the twentieth century most of the work done by management theorists was directed at increasing production, particularly in machine shops and assembly bays. Douglas McGregor was an American theorist and lecturer who was interested in what motivates people at work. One person who was concerned particularly with what motivates people was Abraham Maslow. In this chapter the author has concentrated on the theorists who worked earlier in the twentieth century. Some of their work has been supplanted by new theories or questioned by their successors but in general the early theorists were pioneers who laid the foundations for much of what takes place in management today. Henri Fayol appears to have been ahead of his time in management theory. Elliott Jaques was born and studied medicine and psychology in Canada. Robert Blake and Jane Mouton were interested particularly in leadership styles and during consultancy work developed their managerial grid.