Choose two different theoretical perspectives that you find intriguing. If you were employed by a human service agency, how would your working life be affected by the organizational theory guiding that agency? Compare the effects of the Theory A and Theory B you have selected. Now think about your clients and community. What differences would the selection of Theory A or Theory B make in their lives?
In the management of human service agencies, the theoretical framework adopted by leadership dictates everything from how a caseworker spends their lunch hour to how a client is treated at the front desk. To explore this, I have selected two contrasting perspectives: Scientific Management (Classical Theory) and Human Relations Theory.
Developed by Frederick Taylor, this theory focuses on maximum efficiency, standardization, and a clear hierarchy. It assumes that there is "one best way" to perform any task.
Effect on My Working Life:
If I were employed by an agency guided by Scientific Management, my day would be highly mechanized and scrutinized.
Standardization: I would likely have a rigid script for client intakes and a strict quota for how many "units of service" I must provide per day.
Clear Hierarchy: Decisions would be made exclusively by upper management; my role would be to execute, not to innovate.