A DAY IN MY LIFE

(Application of Management Theory)

Online learning has been a real challenge, not only, for the students, but also, for the
teachers. A lot of struggles are present in this way of learning such as: slow internet connection,
lack of gadget to use, and most especially the struggle of doing tasks without the help of our
other classmates and friends. However, managing our everyday lives could be of great help.
Personally, I have observed that there are two management theories that I have been doing for
the past few days. These are the Systems theory by Ludwig Con Bertalanffy and Human
Relations theory by Elton Mayo.
System theory, with references as far back as 1931 (Baridon & Loomis, 1931), is
interested in problems related to relationships, structure, and interdependence of organizational
and human functions (Hall & Fagen, 1956; Katz & Kahn, 1966; Miller, 1971; Weiss, 1971). As
behavior analysis began to consider human performer's behavior in the context of a system,
Harshbarger and Maley (1974) and Malott (1974) began referring to this brand of systems theory
as behavioral systems analysis (BSA). Ludwig and Houmanfar (2010) emphasized in their
introduction to BSA in special issues of the Journal of Organizational Behavior Management that
“systems are adaptive entities that survive by meeting environmental demands (consumers,
competition, economy, governmental policies, etc.) through the development and maintenance of
subsystems ultimately designed to manage behavior. Thus, organizations are behavioral systems
that encompass complex patterns of behavioral interactions among its members and the
environment” (p. 85). BSA seeks to understand these complex response patterns in the context of
critical aspects of the organizational system. Through this process, we can better manipulate the
relationships between the organization and behavioral contingencies.
System Theory is all about doing something as a whole. In my life, the system theory is
present in many ways. In my life as a student, it happens when my teachers, classmates, and I
have classes. The word "Teamwork" describes the theory, for teamwork is what a student and
teacher do as a whole in a class. My teacher will teach us while me and my classmates will listen
and learn. However, system theory is about teamwork or doing something as a group, therefore,
if one of us fails do their own job in the class, there will be no system theory or teamwork
present.
In my daily life, it happens when I wake up in the morning, each one of us in the family
will do something like: fix the bed, cook breakfast, place the plates and utensils on the table, and
wash the dishes. Moreover, it is present when we clean the house. My brother and I will help my
father while my sister helps my mother. I relate it in system theory because my family finish
daily tasks and do chores together.
The other management theory which I can also relate to my life is the Human Relations
theory. Similar to Mayo's Human Relations, Motivation Theory, which contains the Hawthorn
Effect, is a theory of motivation in the workplace. ... This theory proposed that employees are
motivated primarily by pay. Workers are generally thought of as lazy and are treated as just
another piece of equipment. The Human Relations theory of organizations has three main
components. First, the theory places an emphasis on the importance of an individual. A worker is
not simply a cog in a machine but an idiosyncratic individual who responds to his or her
environment. Maximizing the productivity of workers requires taking these individual
characteristics into account. Second, human relations theory takes into account the informal
organizations in the workplace. What is important to a worker – and what influences her
productivity level – may not be the official organizational chart but her or his associations with
other workers. Lastly, human relations theory stresses the importance of participative
management. Employees are more likely to be happy and engaged at work if they have
meaningful input into important workplace decisions. Failure to solicit employee input leads to
unhappy workers and diminished workplace productivity, according to human relations theory.
In relation to my everyday living, I could say that this is important. Because, in my
opinion, human relation is the key in order to fulfill and execute everyday tasks effectively. As a
student, I will always involve myself physically and mentally so that I could actively participate
in doing the tasks assigned, with the aid and supervision of my teachers, classmate and friends.
Furthermore, I can also relate the said theory with my relationship with my family for I always
communicate with my parents and siblings. I always make sure that we are open with each other.
We have no secrets because my parents established an open communication in our family.
At the most fundamental level, management is a discipline that consists of a set of five
general functions: planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. These five functions
are part of a body of practices and theories on how to be a successful manager.
As Student, I planned my daily life by listing the things that I should do every day. I
make it sure to list down all the activities that I have every day. I organize all the material that I
need on my online class likes modules, paper, and ballpen. I make it sure that my things are with
me before to start my online class to be able to utilize my time and would not waste it by looking
for them when needed. When it comes to staffing, I always seek help with my other sibling to
charge my cellphone and laptop while preparing for the comfortable areas with better signal for
the internet connect. I make it sure to be emotionally, mentally and physically ready before the
class start and as an Older brother to my sister, I often lead and help her in communicating with
her teacher and passing her assignments thru online because she is new with it. In controlling, I
make it sure that I understand and interact with my professor in his discussion. And to do all
other activities that I planned on that day.
References:
Cooley, S. (2020, October 11). Human Relations Theory of Organizations. SpringerLink.
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-31816-5_2998-1
Clinical and Organizational Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis, & Ludwig. (2015).
Systems Theory - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Science direct.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/systems-theory
5 Principles of Great Management. (2019, May 29). Ashford University.
https://www.ashford.edu/online-degrees/business/5-principles-of-great-management