In Chapter 2: History, Globalization, and Values-Based Learning, several thought leaders are introduced: F.W. Taylor, The Gilbreths, and Henri Fayol. Often referred to as thought leaders in the field of management. In order to complete the assignment, you will need to read chapter 2 and the sections that apply specifically to the assignment. Although not required, you can also consult outside sources, if you want to.
Please discuss the following:
What theory of management is each thought leader referenced above known for developing?
Is the theory relevant today? Why do you think so or not?
How does each theory relate to POLC?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: Evolution of Management Theories by Thought Leaders: Relevance and Application Today
Introduction
In the field of management, thought leaders such as F.W. Taylor, The Gilbreths, and Henri Fayol have made significant contributions to the development of management theories. This essay will discuss the theories each thought leader is known for, their relevance in today’s context, and how these theories relate to the functions of management – Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling (POLC).
F.W. Taylor
Theory: Scientific Management
Taylor is known for developing the concept of scientific management, which focuses on optimizing efficiency through systematic methods and time studies. This theory emphasizes the division of labor, standardization of tasks, and incentives for performance.
Relevance Today:
Scientific management principles are still relevant today in various industries, especially in manufacturing and operations. The emphasis on efficiency, standardization, and performance incentives can help organizations improve productivity and streamline processes.
Relation to POLC:
– Planning: Scientific management involves planning tasks, setting standards, and determining the most efficient methods to achieve goals.
– Organizing: It focuses on organizing work processes, roles, and responsibilities to maximize efficiency.
– Leading: Incentives and motivation are central to scientific management, aligning with leadership practices to drive performance.
– Controlling: Standardization and performance measurement are essential for controlling outcomes and ensuring adherence to established procedures.
The Gilbreths
Theory: Motion Study and Time Management
The Gilbreths contributed to motion study and time management techniques to improve efficiency in work processes. They focused on minimizing wasted motions and optimizing workflow.
Relevance Today:
Motion study and time management principles are still applicable today, especially in industries where repetitive tasks are common. By minimizing wasteful movements and enhancing workflow efficiency, organizations can increase productivity and reduce errors.
Relation to POLC:
– Planning: Motion study and time management aid in planning efficient workflows and task sequences.
– Organizing: Optimizing work processes and reducing unnecessary motions contribute to better organization.
– Leading: Enhancing efficiency through motion study can motivate employees and improve performance.
– Controlling: Monitoring time management practices helps in controlling processes and ensuring adherence to optimized workflows.
Henri Fayol
Theory: Administrative Management
Fayol is known for his principles of administrative management, which include functions like planning, organizing, commanding, coordinating, and controlling. He emphasized the importance of managerial functions in organizational success.
Relevance Today:
Fayol’s administrative management principles are still relevant today as they provide a framework for effective decision-making, coordination, and control within organizations. The functions identified by Fayol continue to form the basis of modern management practices.
Relation to POLC:
– Planning: Fayol’s emphasis on planning aligns with the planning function of management, which involves setting goals, developing strategies, and forecasting.
– Organizing: Organizational structure and coordination are central to Fayol’s principles, corresponding to the organizing function of management.
– Leading: Commanding and leading employees relate to the leading function of management, which involves motivating, guiding, and directing personnel.
– Controlling: Coordinating activities and controlling deviations from plans resonate with the controlling function of management, which entails monitoring performance and taking corrective actions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the theories developed by thought leaders such as F.W. Taylor, The Gilbreths, and Henri Fayol have played a significant role in shaping modern management practices. These theories remain relevant today as they offer valuable insights into improving efficiency, productivity, and organizational effectiveness. By understanding how these theories relate to the functions of management – Planning, Organizing, Leading, and Controlling (POLC) – organizations can apply relevant principles to enhance their operations and achieve success in a dynamic business environment.
