This question has two parts; be sure to answer both. First, articulate why the classical viewpoint is important, providing an example of a successful company that has benefited from applying the theories of the classical viewpoint. Second, imagine that you manage a scientific lab that develops women's health and beauty products. Give two examples of how you might apply the classical viewpoint in the lab.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The essence of the classical viewpoint is that work activity is amenable to a rational approach, that through the application of scientific methods, time and motion studies, and job specialization it is possible to boost productivity. These concepts are still in use today, the results visible to you every time you visit McDonald's or Pizza Hut.

As the manager of a scientific lab that develops women's health and beauty products, you might understand the importance of having your staff specialize. By specializing, each employee becomes an expert in key products, in understanding what customers want. So, for example, you might have one scientist who specializes in developing cosmetics, one who specializes in developing soaps and shampoos, and one who specializes in hair-care products such as mousses and gels. Following Weber's view of bureaucracy, you will make sure that your lab employees follow all required safety procedures, that they are fully trained on government regulations regarding health and beauty products, and develop products with costs in mind (that is, they try to develop products that will minimize the company's costs and maximize its profits).