Management as a discipline is generally concerned with the art and science of getting a group of people to achieve a defined goal or objective (Griffin, 2008). The discipline has evolved significantly over the last one century or so (Roth, 1998). In the first half of the 20th century, emphasis was largely placed on structure, authority, and production; with little or no attention to employees (Adetule, 2011). There has, however, been a tremendous shift of management focus from structure and authority to people (employees) over the years (Griffin, 2008). The evolution of management theory over time depicts the ever changing role of managers or leaders in organizations. Each management orientation or school of thought, however, presents its own merits and demerits. With reference to Galaxy Toys, Inc., an American toy manufacturing company, this case study provides an analysis of how the style of management in the organization has evolved from the mid-20th century to the 21st century. The case study particularly identifies two management theories that depict the organization's style of management in the late 1960s as well as the late 1980s and early 1990s. Attention is also paid to the organization's style of management in the 21st century.Background
Galaxy Toys Inc. is a toy manufacturing company mainly serving the U.S. market. With more than five decades in operation, the organization produces a wide variety of toys for children. The organization's operations are based in various parts of the U.S. This case study, however, focuses on the Ohio branch, where Bart Aldrin has served as the shipping manager since 1969. During Bart's reign, the orientation of management at the organization has shifted from production focus to people focus against the backdrop of changes in the organization's internal and external environments. With Bart set to retire in the foreseeable future, his position will be taken over by Joyce Barnhart, whose style of management must resonate with 21st century managerial thinking.
Part One
The theory that best describes Bart's style of management when he first joined Galaxy is the scientific management theory, which was developed during the late 19th century and early 20th century. A seminal figure in the development of this theory was Fredrick W. Taylor. Taylor asserted that production efficiency could be achieved by reducing...
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