Essential memorization of business administration: Guide to matching major scholars and theories
Essential Business Administration Memorization: Major Scholars and Theories Matching Guide
The most fundamental yet core part of business administration exams (civil service, public enterprises, labor attorneys, etc.) is the accurate matching of ‘Scholar - Theory - Keyword’. This guide is a ‘memorization master list’ organizing major scholars who have appeared in exams at least once, categorized by era and field.
1. Classical and Neoclassical Theories (Origins of Human Resource Management)
| Field | Scholar | Representative Theory / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Management | Taylor (F.W. Taylor) | Time and motion study, differential piece-rate system, 'the one best way' |
| General Management Theory | Fayol (H. Fayol) | 5 elements of management (POCCC), 14 principles of management, emphasis on overall management |
| Bureaucracy | Weber (M. Weber) | Rational-legal authority, formal rules, impersonality, red tape |
| Human Relations Movement | Mayo (E. Mayo) | Hawthorne studies, social man, informal organization, psychological satisfaction |
| Ford System | Ford (H. Ford) | 3S (Standardization, Simplification, Specialization), conveyor belt, service principle |
2. Motivation Theories (Content Theories vs Process Theories)
The motivation section is a representative area where scholars and theory names are mixed up in exam questions.
(1) Content Theories
Theories focused on “What drives people?”
| Scholar | Theory Name | Core Content |
|---|---|---|
| Maslow | Hierarchy of Needs | 5 levels of needs; moving to higher needs when lower needs are met |
| Alderfer | ERG Theory | 3 levels (Existence, Relatedness, Growth), frustration-regression hypothesis |
| Herzberg | Two-Factor Theory | Motivator factors (satisfaction) vs hygiene factors (dissatisfaction), dualistic structure |
| McClelland | Acquired Needs Theory | Need for achievement, need for power, need for affiliation (learned needs) |
| McGregor | Theory X and Theory Y | Management styles for pessimistic view of human nature (X) vs optimistic view (Y) |
(2) Process Theories
Theories focused on “Through what process is motivation triggered?“
| Scholar | Theory Name | Core Content |
|---|---|---|
| Vroom | Expectancy Theory | Motivation = Expectancy (E) × Instrumentality (I) × Valence (V) |
| Adams | Equity Theory | Comparing input/output ratios with one's referent, resolution of inequity |
| Locke | Goal-Setting Theory | Specific and challenging goals enhance performance |
3. Leadership Theories (Traits → Behaviors → Contingencies)
| Stage | Representative Scholar | Theory and Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Theory | Lewin | Authoritarian / Democratic / Laissez-faire leadership |
| Behavioral Theory | Ohio State University | Consideration vs Initiating Structure |
| Behavioral Theory | Blake & Mouton | Managerial Grid Model (9,9 Team management is optimal) |
| Contingency Theory | Fiedler (F.W. Fiedler) | LPC score, situational favorableness (different leaders are favorable depending on the situation) |
| Contingency Theory | Hersey & Blanchard | 4 leadership styles based on follower maturity (competence/commitment) |
This material will be continuously updated. If you need a detailed explanation of a specific scholar, please navigate to the corresponding Chapter.
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