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) |
Test-Taker Guide: Use this list by sticking it on your desk and familiarizing yourself with it for 5 minutes every day. If the scholar’s name comes to mind just by looking at the keywords, you have passed the first stage.
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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