INTRODUCTION
There have been many different ideologies, perspectives, approaches and philosophies that human beings apply to their spiritual beliefs, the political views and the values that control day-to-day lives. This is true in all of the disciplines dedicated to pursuing an understanding how people behave in all sorts of situations, including from the psychological, sociological and criminological. Classical Organization Theory is one of these concepts. Classical Organization Theory works under one basic principle, there is one best and most correct way to accomplish any given task. Classical Organizational theory can be applied to business environments, healthcare and, very often, within the criminal justice system (Laegaard & Bindslev, 2006). There are two perspectives that guide this philosophical viewpoint; scientific management theory and the bureaucratic theory. In order to understand these theories and those that developed them it is best to review them individually.
DISCUSSION
The Scientific management theory was developed in the early 20th century by Frederick Taylor. His view on the classical theory had four principles. The first, find the one best way to perform tasks, second match the right person in the right task, third monitor and supervise those of which they manage; to also engage in motivation and punishment when it is warranted. Lastly, the focus of the task is planning and control (Walonick, 1993). His approach, in some ways is like micromanaging those who work beneath them. In the case of Taylor, his theory was first presented as a means to streamline and improve production within the industrial demographic, but has been problematic putting into practice in modern business, as opposed to the businesses of Taylor’s time. Taylor was initially quite successful (Peak, 2006). In the realm of criminal justice one can see how this can come into play. However, why it may not be the most successful in modern business, it can be beneficial to the criminal justice system. A good modern example of scientific management in modern policing could be the possibility of requiring all officers to wear mandatory body-cameras, which can monitor and recorded through a given officer’s shift. Based on those behaviors, some may receive great praise, but it can also alert superiors to officers who are not doing their jobs correctly, so that they can be disciplined.
In the mid-20th-century Max Weber absorbed the Taylor’s theories and expanded on them to create a new view completely of his own. For many Weber is considered a father of sociology. His theory would come to be known as the bureaucratic theory, which emphasized establishing clearer lines between authority and control. He encouraged the division of labor and specialization and believed in the need for that hierarchal design of power (Walonick, 1993). Weber, also, believed that there must be a rule-oriented system where the expectations of employees when working. There should be a separation between the "rights" in the workplace and personal rights and possessions. Lastly, one must choose the most qualified staff for the positions needed; in his eyes all dedicated work should become a career. However, he found Taylor’s approach to be too restrictive and looks at employees less as contributors and more as a “means to an end.” However, Weber believed that for successful function among diverse demographics it was the interactions between people in those different tasks that make a difference and that there was a great relevance in studying both successful and effective approaches embraced in the past. How does this theory relate to criminal justice? Actually quite easy (Laegaard & Bindslev, 2006). If one looks at the scope of the modern American criminal justice system we see a great deal of Weber’s perspective; from the highest ranking of judges to the police force, everything about the system is highly bureaucratic by its nature. There must be clear rules and regulations that dictate all of the policies and procedures; governed by strict standards and conduct for each and every one in the hierarchal system of modern criminal justice.
CONCLUSION
Ultimately, both men’s theories have had a place in modern society. Like with any other aspect of American politics, industry and criminal justice, it has continued to change and evolved as society as changed and evolved. Without Taylor’s initial contributions, Weber may never have fully conceived his Bureaucratic theory. The criminal justice system can be rather confusing with all of its specific titles and responsibilities that govern this system, but it is its complexity that allows the best people to be placed in the right positions for the most positive outcome. Again, this applies to the criminal justice system because, for example, without a strong leader, police departments do not function as well; but the right leader in the right post can make a world of positive difference.
REFERENCES
Laegaard, J. and Bindslev, M. (2006). Organizational Theory. 1-112.
Peak, K.J. (2006). Chapter 2: Organization and Administration- Principles and Practices. Justice
Administration Police Administration: Police, Courts and Corrections Management. 6th ed. 20-59.
Walonick, D.S. (1993). Organizational theory and behavior. StatPac Organization. 1. Retrieved
September 2, 2016, from http://www.statpac.org/walonick/organizational-theory.htm
