The management theory of Max Weber comes out of the larger theories of scientific organizational management, which began to emerge around the turn of the century. The intersection of the philosophies of Max Weber and the management theory of Frederick Taylor occurred between 1930 and 1950, corresponding with Weber's development of his theory of bureaucracy.

Max Weber theory and philosophy is largely focused on the idea of bureaucracy as an efficient method for organizing and prioritizing the routine tasks of business. Using a Max Weber theory of management, however, means balancing the benefits and costs of bureaucracy, not just embracing bureaucracy wholesale.

When mastering the management theory of Max Weber basics, be sure you understand how to do the following:

1. Contextualize Max Weber within scientific management theory;

2. Consult the primary documents on Max Weber and management;

3. Synthesize usable information on Max Weber management theory.

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Understand Max Weber management theory within historical contexts

The Max Weber management theory of bureaucracy grew out of the wider context of scientific management theory as developed by Frederick Taylor. Scientific management theory and its theoretical subcategories focus on the use of organized, highly standardized specific tasks geared toward maximizing efficiency.

I recommend: The Free Management Library and Kerns Analysis both offer a history of the broader field of scientific management theory and how the management theory of Max Weber fits into this history. Keep in mind that because scientific management theory was developed during American industrialization, much of its tenets are based on mechanized factory work and may need to be adapted for today's workplace.

Gather information about the Max Weber theory of management from primary sources

Many of the documents written by Max Weber on management and other topics are available for public access online. When preparing to use the management theory of Max Weber, consult these documents to get an authentic understanding of Max Weber management theories and how you can apply them to your workplace.

I recommend: Rogers State University has a page with links to Weber's writings on sociology, capitalism and bureaucracy, many of which directly inform his larger theory of management. The Economics Department of The New School provides useful resources on the management theory of Max Weber, by Weber and others, including some hyperlinks to other useful web sources.

Get tips and hints for understanding Max Weber management theory

Understanding the basics of the management theory of Max Weber as outlined by Weber's original writings can be difficult, since translating theories across history is a complex undertaking. Consulting some sources that offer a simple breakdown of Weber's principles and tips for understanding Weber can be helpful, especially before you take action to institute Weber's theory.

I recommend: "What is Bureaucracy?" by Kun Wang, offers a chart of strengths and weaknesses of bureaucracy as defined by Weber, which can help you implement an effective bureaucratic structure in your own business. 12manage also offers information on Max Weber management theory as it relates to charismatic leadership, which you may find useful if you're planning a major change in management philosophy.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the cautions offered by the management theory of Max Weber about the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy. Inform your employees about management changes and make sure they're on board with structural shifts in how your business is run to maintain healthy human relationships in the workplace while improving the efficiency of routine tasks.

The Max Weber theory of management, sometimes called bureaucratic management theory, is built on principles outlined by Frederick Taylor in his scientific management theory. Like Taylor, Weber advocated a system based on standardized procedures and a clear chain of command. Weber stressed efficiency, as did Taylor, but also warned of the danger of emphasizing technology at the expense of emotion.

One primary difference between Max Weber and management, and other theories of management, is that while Weber outlined the principles of an ideal bureaucracy, he also pointed out the dangers a true bureaucracy could face.

Key elements of the Max Weber management theory include:

1. Clearly defined job roles, an essential part of Max Weber management theories
2. A hierarchy of authority
3. Standardized procedures
4. Meticulous record-keeping
5. Hiring employees only if they meet the specific qualifications for a job

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Before implementing the Max Weber theory, assess your company's existing management style

Before changing in your company's leadership style, make sure it does need altering. A new style may sound promising, but maybe what you're doing now works just fine. An assessment can also help you identify strengths and weaknesses, so you can better determine what management theory is right for your organization.

I recommend: The Complete Management Skills Assessment Kit from Business Training Media assesses everything from problem-solving to change leadership skills. Or, try the self-administered style management assessment from Management Style Coach, which assesses the management skills of individuals.

Learn to assess a job candidate's skills--a key part of the Max Weber business management style

Central to Max Weber scientific management is the mandate to only hire employees who possess the specific skill set the job requires. Weber worried about the impact of nepotism, fearing companies would hire people not qualified for a job, and this would hinder the efficiency of the entire company. By accurately assessing an applicant's abilities, you ensure you hire only those who are a good fit for the job and the company.

I recommend: Profiles Northwest offers pre-employment testing and screening, as well as employee assessment tools you can use to determine your current employees are in the right roles. For greater convenience and flexibility, use the online assessment tests at Brainbench.

Hire a consultant to help you implement Weber's management theory

Adopting a new management style affects every level of your organization, and requires the cooperation of all employees. For such a major change, you may want to hire a consultant skilled not only in the management theory of Max Weber, but also in change management, to ensure the smoothest transition possible.

I recommend: Manifest Management offers management training and a free business evaluation, to help you identify potential problems throughout your organization. Or, obtain change management assistance from The Center for Innovative Leadership.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you decide to implement the Weber management theory, make sure every employee, not just company leadership, understands what that means for them. Create a company-wide educational program, which will make employees feel they are an important part of the transition--and encourage greater participation in the change.

The Max Weber management theory has added greatly to the modern understanding of business management and the structure of bureaucracy. Studying Max Weber theory helps managers and small business owners alike spot key weaknesses in their organization at the same time as offering practical solutions.

By setting boundaries and clearly delineating office and bureaucracy structure, Max Weber provided business owners and managers with simple-to-follow management rules that allow employees and employers to produce effectively in their given area of expertise. Learning about Max Weber management theories lets the individual explore options for their small business. When considering the Max Weber theory of management:

1. Know that Weber's theory focuses on understanding the interplays in organizational structures

2. Realize that you can easily apply the Max Weber business management approach to the modern office

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Learn about Max Weber theories for practical solutions to office dilemmas

The writings and business analysis of Max Weber heavily focuses on organizational structure. As he was writing many years ago, some of his original texts can be quite daunting for the modern small business owner. Learning about him and his basic theories in easy-to-follow language with explained terminology makes one better equipped to implement such theories in their own office or business.

I recommend: An article from The Economist offers basic background information on Max Weber. It also cites his most popular management theory works. AccessMyLibrary.com presents a simple overview of Weber's understanding of leadership and authority within the bureaucracy structure. Visionary Publications explains in simple terms the six main characteristics of Weber's management theory.

Choose books and manuals for management theory of Max Weber education and training

In the case of Max Weber, college students and interested laymen frequently use his published works. For the office manager or business owner, selected texts (such as The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism and The Theory of Social and Economic Organization) will prove more useful in the office environment or as employee teaching tools than others. Publications and management theory manuals often contain information on Weber in more modern language than the original text.

I recommend: NationMaster.com provides a comprehensive list of all of Max Weber's publications with links to summaries of each book or article, providing a comprehensive overview of his works. Questia Media America offers a full-text version of The Theory of Social and Economic Organization by Weber, key to understanding his thoughts on the modern workplace.

Learn about Max Weber and management theory in the college classroom

Max Weber is often the subject of freshman sociology classes and attendance of a single class may provide much information for the layman. Full college courses devoted specifically to Weber are rare. Online workshops and video tutorials on Weber and scientific management often contain his key ideas.

I recommend: North Carolina Sociological Association offers a short video on Weber that provides basic information about his theories. Cambridge University shows a YouTube video of a full college class lecture on Weber and his theories. The Max Weber Postdoctoral Programme at the European University Institute continues Weber's tradition.

Max Weber, who studied sociology, saw a change in the focus of humanity at a time when industry was on the rise. He saw a shift from emotional and traditional ideals to motivations based upon technological advancement. Many interpret his management theory as coming from a capitalistic perspective. The key elements listed within this guide should help you to make your own determination as to Weber's true intentions.

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Verstehen

Verstehen is German for understanding and interpretation. Max Weber introduced verstehen into the social sciences, in which outside observers systematically work to understand a culture by participating in that culture's way of life and trying to see things from an empathetic perspective, rather than an outsider's perspective.

I recommend: Read more on Weber's use of verstehen from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Wertrational and Zwechational

Wertrational means value-oriented and zwechational means technocratic. Weber saw a shift in society from value-oriented (wertrational) to technology-oriented (zwechational) thinking, which lead to the development of his management theories.

I recommend: Kerns Analysis touches on wertrational and zwechational thinking in its description of Max Weber's work.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of societies, and human behaviors within those societies. However, Weber had a more elaborate interpretation of this term, including the methodological foundations of sociology that lead to how scientists interpreted what they observed.

I recommend: Read Weber's full definition of sociology provided by the Marxists Internet Archive.

Bureaucracy

The foundation of Max Weber's management theory is that business owners should run their companies as a bureaucracy. This essentially means there are hierarchies in place, and that formal, written processes govern how management handles all aspects of the company.

I recommend: An excerpt from one of Weber's books provided by a faculty member of Rogers State University details Weber's characteristics of a bureaucracy.

Modern, western capitalism (MWC)

In modern, western capitalism (MWC), Weber saw a great development of culture, law and science, as well as the emergence of dependence upon government for the function of society.

I recommend: The University of Chicago provides an in-depth description of Weber's theories and more information about MWC.

Charisma

Weber believed that leaders should be charismatic. He defined an individual with charisma as someone who owned qualities and characteristics that appeared to be super-human or of divine origin.

I recommend: Read more on Weber's thoughts on charismatic leadership on 12manage.