Case study 1:

“The trouble with management as a field of study and practice is that it has no scientific base” said
Fred Denny, a space physicist to his laboratory head Claud Greenwood. “I feel I know what I’m doing
when I design a guided system for a missile because I have the space, propulsion and other sciences
available to tell me what to do. But, when you ask me if I’m doing a good job, as a supervisor of my
engineering and technical team, there is nothing, no science of management to guide me. In my reading of
the books on management, I get the idea that managers must operate on a closed system basis, that the best
things managers can do are to be friendly, consult with their subordinates on every little thing and develop
strict rules and procedures so that no subordinate can make a mistake.
As I think about it Claud, I cannot see much science in management. And I wonder what good
these management books, articles and management development courses are ever going to do to any of us.
Do we have to wait for centuries when a science of management, an exact science like physics is
developed?”
Claud Greenwood, having been exposed to a number of management development seminars
which had emphasized the usefulness and importance of management knowledge, was taken aback by
Fred’s outburst. But he was impressed that what his subordinate had said, did make a lot of sense. He was
however at a loss as to how to respond to Fred.

Way to go about it:

1. Summary of C.S
2. Define problem of C.S – give only 2 questions
3. Provide solutions
4. Conclusion

Question 1: is management scientific?

It is an inexact science because of
Human element (though some behavioral traits are becoming exact, ex. CRM, Johari window)
Situation … both of which are very flexible and not exact.

helps people better understand their relationship with

themselves and others.
closed system: working with internal environment
open system: constantly interacting with external environment
Management is a direct, vibrant and open system. Fred’s claim was wrong.

What constitutes external and internal environment of an organization? Degree of employee control over
no absolute control in external variables.
Internal environment External environment
Management and employees (HR) Society
Ethics Competitors
Rules and regulations Vendors/suppliers
Shareholders Customers
Policies Media
Infrastructure Shareholders
Culture Economic situation:
Technology Banks/ finances
Legal system of land and operation
Geography and climate
Infrastructure
Technology