Mary Parker Follett: The Mother of Modern Management

Mary Parker Follett, an American management consultant, social worker, and philosopher, is widely recognized as the “Mother of Modern Management.” Born on September 3, 1868, in Quincy, Massachusetts, Follett’s contributions to the field of management theory and organizational behavior were groundbreaking and continue to influence modern management practices.

Follett’s Management Philosophy

Follett’s management philosophy emphasized the significance of the human element in management, recognizing people as the most valuable asset in any organization. She was among the first theorists to actively explore the role of individuals in effective management and the importance of fostering positive human relations within the industrial sector. Follett’s work focused on several key concepts:

Lateral Processes and Informal Processes

Follett highlighted the importance of lateral processes within hierarchical organizations, acknowledging the influence of informal processes on organizational dynamics. She advocated for the recognition of these informal interactions and their impact on decision-making and organizational culture.

“Power with” vs. “Power Over”

Follett introduced the concept of “power with” as opposed to “power over,” advocating for a collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership. She believed that effective leadership involves empowering individuals and fostering a sense of shared responsibility rather than relying solely on authority and control.

Win-Win Philosophy and Conflict Resolution

Follett contributed significantly to the development of the win-win philosophy, emphasizing the importance of seeking mutually beneficial solutions in negotiations and decision-making. She also proposed innovative ideas on conflict resolution, viewing conflict as an opportunity for growth and understanding rather than a hindrance.

Lillian Moller Gilbreth: A Pioneer in Industrial Management

Lillian Moller Gilbreth, an American engineer and industrial psychologist, was another prominent figure in the early days of management theory. Born on May 24, 1878, in Oakland, California, Gilbreth, along with her husband Frank Gilbreth, pioneered industrial management techniques that are still widely used today.

Scientific Management and Efficiency

Gilbreth’s work focused on scientific management principles, aiming to improve productivity and efficiency in the workplace. She conducted detailed studies of work processes, identifying ways to streamline tasks and eliminate unnecessary steps. Her contributions to job standardization, incentive wage-plans, and job simplification were instrumental in shaping modern industrial practices.

Human Factors and Fatigue

Gilbreth recognized the importance of human factors and the impact of fatigue and stress on time management. She advocated for the consideration of workers’ physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the need for breaks, rest periods, and proper working conditions.

Design and Home Economics

Gilbreth’s expertise extended to the design of kitchens and household appliances. She aimed to improve the efficiency and ergonomics of household tasks, making them less time-consuming and physically demanding. Her work in this area had a significant impact on the design of modern kitchens and appliances.

Conclusion

Mary Parker Follett and Lillian Moller Gilbreth were two remarkable pioneers in the field of management theory and practice. Follett’s emphasis on the human element, collaborative leadership, and conflict resolution laid the foundation for modern management approaches that value employee engagement and empowerment. Gilbreth’s contributions to scientific management, human factors, and design influenced industrial practices and improved workplace efficiency. Their work continues to inspire and inform contemporary management theories and practices, shaping the way organizations operate and manage their human resources.

References

1. Organizational Learning: Meet the “Mother of Management” (https://johnsoncenter.org/blog/meet-the-woman-whose-creative-experience-provided-the-germ-for-organizational-learning/)
2. Lillian Moller Gilbreth: Mother of Modern Management (https://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/gilbreth.html)
3. Mary Parker Follett – Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Parker_Follett)

FAQs

Who is known as the Mother of Modern Management?

Mary Parker Follett, an American management consultant, social worker, and philosopher, is widely recognized as the “Mother of Modern Management.”

What was Mary Parker Follett’s management philosophy?

Follett emphasized the significance of the human element in management, recognizing people as the most valuable asset in any organization. She advocated for collaborative leadership, “power with” rather than “power over,” and the importance of positive human relations in the workplace.

What were Follett’s key contributions to management theory?

Follett’s contributions include highlighting lateral processes and informal processes within organizations, introducing the concept of “power with” instead of “power over,” promoting the win-win philosophy in negotiations, and proposing innovative ideas on conflict resolution.

Who was Lillian Moller Gilbreth, and what were her contributions to management?

Lillian Moller Gilbreth was an American engineer and industrial psychologist who, along with her husband Frank Gilbreth, pioneered industrial management techniques still used today. She focused on scientific management principles, job standardization, incentive wage-plans, and job simplification. Gilbreth also recognized the importance of human factors and fatigue in time management and made significant contributions to the design of kitchens and household appliances.

What is the significance of Follett’s and Gilbreth’s work in modern management?

Follett’s emphasis on the human element and collaborative leadership laid the foundation for modern management approaches that value employee engagement and empowerment. Gilbreth’s contributions to scientific management and human factors influenced industrial practices and improved workplace efficiency. Their work continues to inspire and inform contemporary management theories and practices.

How did Follett’s ideas influence the development of management thought?

Follett’s ideas challenged traditional management practices that emphasized control and authority. Her focus on collaboration, integration, and the importance of human relations influenced the emergence of more participative and democratic management styles.

What are some examples of Follett’s practical applications of her management philosophy?

Follett’s ideas were applied in various settings, including businesses, schools, and community organizations. She advocated for decentralized decision-making, open communication, and the involvement of employees in problem-solving and decision-making processes.

How did Gilbreth’s work contribute to the field of industrial engineering?

Gilbreth’s scientific management techniques, such as time and motion studies, job analysis, and work simplification, revolutionized industrial practices. Her focus on efficiency and productivity led to significant improvements in manufacturing processes and workplace organization.