The essential dimensions of classical management were based on a closed system view of organisation; that is, essential dimensions emphasised on a mechanical structure of control. So the essential dimensions of classical management break down to a set of four rigid and formal guidelines:

 Bureaucratic forms of control

 Narrow supervisory span

 Closely prescribed roles

 Clear and formal definitions of procedures, which means areas of specialisation and hierarchical relationship.

These essential dimensions of classical management promote formality, symmetry and rigidity. By maintaining these essential dimensions, the goal is that control and compliance exists so as efficiency and productivity is maximised.

Bureaucratic forms of control create standardisation and this is bound with centralised power. These are the attributes wanted by those who are in command. By having strict bureaucratic control, those who are at the top of the hierarchy have much power, while those who are at the bottom have strictly little or no control.

Narrow supervision is an essential dimension to classical management. By maintaining narrow supervision the effectiveness of work is maximised, so as to increase yield and profit. Narrow supervision ensures that the mechanics of an effective organisation remain. Narrow supervision means that there is need for rationality in decision making. Management allocates tasks, control the work being done and motivate those doing it. The concept is that by making the workers give up their authority, management has better control.

Clear and formal definition of procedures is an essential dimension of classical management. This essential aspect of classical management originated from Taylor s methods and his foundation of scientific management. It recognises that specialisation maximises the efficiency of a worker. This essential dimension of classical management has influenced the efficiency of the manufacture of goods in large factories, such as Mitsubishi Australia, and the effects of this methodology can be seen throughout the industrial revolution. Specialisation creates a mechanistic structure to an organisation and is a method of scientific management that hasn t changed much from when it first began.

The essential dimensions of classical management are invaluable and are the framework for organisations everywhere. Although today much more leeway exists, as there is new technology used in organisation and more emphasis on mass production. However the essential dimensions of classical management are fundamental tools to organisations all over the world, and these essential dimensions will be templates through out time.

The difficulty is that there can never be any single correct solution to any single correct solution to any management problem, or any all embracing system that will carry one through a particular situation or period of time.

(John Harvey- Jones 1993)

Bibliography:

Huczynski, A. & Buchanan, D. 1997, Organisational Behaviour an introductory text, Prentice Hall, Europe.

Legget, C. 2000, Work and Organisation Study Guide: Part 1, School of International Business, Uni SA.