BEHAVIORAL

MANAGEMENT THEORY
Melissa B. Bangayan
DOE 04- Decision Making in Educational Management
 BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT THEORY

The behavioural management theory is often called the human relations

movement because it addresses the human dimension of work. Behavioural
theorist believed that a better understanding of human behaviour at work,
such as motivation, conflict, expectations, and group dynamics, improved
productivity.
 Theorists:
• Hugo Musterberg
• Douglas McGregor
• Abraham Maslow
 Hugo Musterberg
• Hugo Musterberg is known as the “father of industrial psychology.”
• He believed that industry can be benefited by psychologists in three major
areas:
• Seeking modern ways to hire the right person for the right job
• Achieving optimum efficiency by identifying the psychological conditions
• Finding methods to direct behaviour of individual employees to be in harmony with
the management’s objectives.
 Douglas McGregor
• McGregor expressed his views of human nature in two sets of
assumptions :
• Theory X – the sets of traditional beliefs held
• Theory Y – the sets of beliefs based on researchers in behavioural science which are
concerned with modern social views on the man at work .

• These two theories represent the extreme ranges of assumptions. The managerial
attitudes and supervisory practices resulting from such assumptions have an
important bearing on employees’ behaviour.
 Theory X Assumptions:
• Employees inherently dislike work and, whenever possible, will attempt to
avoid it.
• Since employees dislikes work, they must be coerced, controlled, or
threatened with punishment.
• Employees will avoid responsibilities and seek formal direction whenever
possible .
• Most workers place security above all other factors and will display little
ambition.
 Theory Y assumptions:
• Employees can view work as being as natural as rest or play.
• People will exercise self- direction and self-control if they are committed
to the objectives.
• The average person can learn to accept, even seek, responsibility.
• The ability to make innovative decisions is widely dispersed throughout
the population.
 Abraham Maslow
• He developed one of the most widely recognized need theories, a theory
of motivation based upon a consideration of human needs. His theory of
human needs had three assumptions:
• Human needs are never completely satisfied.
• Human behaviour is purposeful and is motivated by the need for satisfaction.
• Needs can be classified according to hierarchical structure of importance, from the
lowest to highest.
 Maslows’ hierarchical structure:
• Physiological Needs- Maslow grouped all physical needs necessary for
maintaining basic human well- being, such as food and drink, into this
category. After the need is satisfied, however, it is no longer is a
motivator.
• Safety Needs- these needs include the need for basic security, stability,
protection, and freedom from fear. A normal state exists for an individual
to have all these needs generally satisfied. Otherwise, they become
primary motivators.
 Maslows’ hierarchical structure:
• Belonging and Love Needs- after the physical and safety needs are
satisfied and no longer motivators, the need for belonging and love
emerges as a primary motivator. The individual strives to establish
meaningful relationships with significant others.
• Esteem Needs- an individual must develop self-confidence and wants to
achieve status, reputation, fame and glory.
• Self- actualization Needs- assuming that all previous needs in the
hierarchy are satisfied, an individual feels a need to find himself.