Metro City Case Study Answers

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1. The amount of supervisory theories that was identified in this case study is three (3).

2. The theories identified were:

a) Neo-scientific management

b) Scientific management theory

c) Human relation supervision

3. Features of the theories identified

a) Neo-scientific management- is a more informal way to control what it is that teachers do. Since it is accepted that what gets measured gets taught, tests serve as an impersonal method of controlling the teacher’s work. for example in paragraph 1 line 11and 12, ‘criterion-referencing weekly, six-week, and semester tests were included in the package’.

Secondly teachers scoring the highest on the observation checklist received cash bonuses (lines 6-7, in paragraph 2)

b) Human relation supervision- Fayol believes that productivity of a worker can be increased by meeting their social needs at work. It focuses on having satisfied staff who are happy and thus easy to work with, to lead and control. For example in lines 14-16 paragraph one, teachers were given an opportunity to be a part of the decision process. ‘Teachers were formed into quality-control committees to discuss the scores and in instances where low scores to come up with ways the system might be better implemented.’

Secondly paragraph 5 states that before the new educational system, the teachers and principal of this school enjoyed a reputation of being a closely knit faculty with high morale.

c) Scientific management theory- is that management practice that is based on proven fact and observation, not hearsay or guesswork. This approach was used to determine the ‘one best way’ for a job to be done. Division of labour was one of the principle on which this theory was focused as this it was believed to increased productivity. For example in paragraph two (2) the administration believed that ‘if teachers became familiar with the system and if they followed-directions and protocols faithfully, they will teach successfully’.

Secondly there is a clear cut manager-subordinate relationship for example paragraph 3 ‘both manager and supervisor provided instructional leadership by monitoring teaching carefully to ensure