City College of Ormoc

Names: Sepe, Sam L. & Sia, Michael Gabriel

Program/ Section: BSSW- 2101
Subject: Social Welfare Agency Administration
Instructor: Domingo Salubri
Topic: Modern Management Theories

Modern Management Theories

The emergence of modern management theories in the mid-20th century marked a

significant shift from earlier classical and neoclassical approaches. The
classical/neoclassical perspectives were criticized for being too rigid, focusing either on
structure or workers in isolation, and ignoring the organization’s dynamic relationship
with its external environment. In response, management scholars in the 1950s began to
study organizations as complex, interdependent systems that must adapt to survive and
thrive.

Modern management theories aim to address the complexity of organizations by

providing frameworks and tools that promote efficiency, inclusivity, better
decision-making, and adaptability. They recognize that employees are not motivated by
money alone but also by personal satisfaction, fulfillment, and quality of life. This
human-centered view emphasizes the development of both the organization and its
people.

In the field of social work, modern management approaches are especially important for
effective service delivery, resource allocation, crisis management, and community
empowerment.
 City College of Ormoc

Types of Modern Management Theory

Systems Management Theory

The Systems Theory was developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1901–1972), an

Austrian biologist. His General Systems Theory emphasized that systems should be
understood as interconnected holes rather than isolated parts. He introduced the idea of
open systems, which constantly interact with their environment, adapt to feedback, and
evolve. This holistic perspective has influenced not only management but also
education, healthcare, and social services.

Core Principles

The Systems Approach views an organization as:

●​ A single, purposeful unit composed of interrelated parts.

●​ A component of a larger external environment, meaning it cannot be studied in

isolation.

●​ Dynamic and adaptive, requiring continuous feedback to remain effective.

According to Stoner (1989), any action taken in one part of the organization will
inevitably affect other parts, highlighting the interdependence of subsystems.

Key Ideas in Systems Theory(Daft, 2005)

 City College of Ormoc

Open System - Organizations interact with their external environment, taking in

resources (inputs), processing them, and producing outputs. Feedback mechanisms
allow quick correction of flaws.
Example: A social welfare agency adapting its programs based on changing
government policies or community needs.
Organizations = Open Systems
In Systems Theory, organizations are seen as open systems, they constantly interact
with their environment rather than functioning in isolation (Bertalanffy, 1968).

Equifinality
Meaning: In an open system, different starting points and different processes can lead
to the same end result.

In systems management theory:

Managers recognize that there’s no single “best way” to achieve a goal. Different
departments, strategies, or workflows can still produce the same outcome if they’re
aligned with the system’s objectives.
Example: Two branches of a company may use different sales techniques but both
meet the same revenue target.

Multifinality
Meaning: In an open system, the same starting point can lead to different outcomes
depending on conditions, inputs, or processes.
In systems management theory:
Managers understand that identical resources or strategies can produce varied results
because of environmental changes, human factors, or subsystem interactions.
Example: Two teams receive the same budget and resources, but one launches a
successful campaign while the other fails due to poor coordination.
 City College of Ormoc

Systems management theory treats organizations as open systems that interact with
their environment.

●​ Equifinality reminds managers to be flexible—there are multiple pathways to

success.
●​ Multifinality warns them that uniform strategies won’t guarantee uniform results.

Closed System - it does not interact with the external environment. Does not receive
any inputs from other components this may die in isolation (but it depends on a
situation). May eventually “run down” (entropy) unless external factors intervene.
Example: A charity that refuses partnerships or external feedback may lose relevance
over time.

Entropy - The natural tendency for a system to run down and die.

Synergy - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A group of different
components works together to form a one functioning system.
Example: A multidisciplinary team of social workers, psychologists, and community
volunteers can achieve more together than separately.

Subsystems - Components of a system that work interdependently.

Example: Finance, HR, and program delivery units all contribute to an organization’s
mission.

Components of Systems Theory

Input – Consists of materials, human resources, financial resources, or information and

ideas used to produce goods and services.
 City College of Ormoc

Example: Funding, staff, community data, and client feedback in a social agency.

Process – The methods and knowledge applied to transform inputs into outputs.
Example: Case management procedures, counseling, or training programs.

Output – It includes the organization's products and services.

Example: Social services, counseling sessions, or community development projects.

Feedback – Information about results that informs the next cycle of inputs and
processes.
Example: Program evaluations or client satisfaction surveys.

Interdependence of Components
Every element of the system affects the others. A change in resources (e.g., budget
cuts) impacts service delivery, which in turn affects client outcomes. Feedback from
those outcomes then guides adjustments, creating a continuous cycle of improvement.

Adaptation to Environment
Modern organizations must adapt to external changes such as shifting government
policies, economic downturns, technological innovations, or emerging social issues.
Flexibility ensures relevance and survival.

Applications in Social Work Profession

Holistic Client Assessment

 City College of Ormoc

A comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of a client’s situation whether it is

physical, emotional, social, and environmental to design effective interventions.

Collaboration Across Departments and Agencies

Coordinated efforts between different units within an organization and with external
partners to ensure seamless service delivery.

Continuous Evaluation and Improvement

Ongoing monitoring and assessment of programs, policies, and practices to identify
areas for enhancement and ensure quality service.

Crisis Response adaptation

Systems theory equips organizations to quickly adjust services during crises (e.g.,
natural disasters, pandemics, sudden community unrest).

Quantitative Management Approach

-​ The Quantitative Approach emerged in the 1940s, rooted in Operations
Research developed during World War II to solve complex logistical and strategic
problems using mathematics and statistics. Later applied to business and public
service, it focuses on data-driven decision-making through measurable
indicators, mathematical models, and statistical analysis.
Branches of Quantitative Management Approach
Management Science
-​ Focuses on the development of mathematical and statistical models as a
simplified representation of a system, process, or relationship as models,
formula, and equations.
Operations Science
-​ Is a field of management focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and
producing or organizational systems, processes, and functions used in the
manufacture of goods.
 City College of Ormoc

Management Information Systems

-​ Allows for more efficient creation, management, and communication of
information across the organization as well as in the outside environment.
Total Quality Management
-​ It is a theory developed after WWII during the reconstruction of Japan. Is a
management approach that focuses on the elements of operations.
Phases of Total Quality Management
-​ Planning: Employees discover the problems in regular operations
and their root-causes. Employees conduct comprehensive research
and collect relevant data. The objective is to identify potential
solutions to their problems.
-​ Doing: Employees develop and execute strategies and plan to
address identified problems.
-​ Checking: Data is collected to analyze performance to validate the
effectiveness of the processes and measuring the outcome.
-​ Acting: Outcomes are documented and employees begin
addressing resulting challenges.

Application in Social Work Profession

Data-Driven Policy Development
-​ Creating policies based on analyzed data to ensure they address real
needs and measurable issues.
Statistical Evaluation of Program Effectiveness
-​ Using statistical tools to measure whether programs achieve their
intended outcomes.
Resource Scheduling (Staff Shifts, Outreach Planning)
-​ Organizing staff time, outreach activities, and other resources to match
service demand efficiently
Evidence-Based Decision-Making
-​ Choosing actions that are supported by research findings and proven best
practices.
 City College of Ormoc

Feminist Management Approach

-​ The feminist approach in social work emerged in the 1960s-1970s alongside the
women’s rights movement, aiming to address gender-based inequalities and
empower women. It challenges traditional power structures, promotes social
justice, and integrates gender-sensitive perspectives into practice.

Core Principles of Feminist Approach

Gender Equality
-​ Ensuring that women and men have equal opportunities in leadership,
decision-making, and access to resources within organizations.
Empowerment
-​ Focusing on increasing individuals’ control over their lives by building
confidence, skills, and access to resources.
Challenging Power Imbalances
-​ Addressing unequal power between genders, staff, and clients.
Gender-Sensitive Policy Development
-​ Policies that reflect different gender needs.
Intersectionality
-​ Recognizing how overlapping identities compound disadvantages.

Applications in Social Welfare Agency Administration

Inclusive Hiring & Promotion Policies
-​ Ensure leadership reflects the diversity of the community served.
Gender-Sensitive Service Delivery
-​ Adapt case management and outreach to address specific needs of
women, men, and non-binary clients.
Workplace Harassment Prevention
-​ Implement strict anti-harassment measures and provide gender-sensitivity
training.
 City College of Ormoc

Community Advocacy
-​ Partner with women’s rights organizations to address systemic inequalities
beyond the agency.

Advantages of Feminist Approach

Promotes Inclusivity and Fairness
-​ Ensures that all genders have equal access to opportunities, resources,
and leadership positions.
-​ In social work agencies, this means staff and clients alike benefit from a
culture of equity.
Improves Morale and Productivity
-​ Employees feel valued and respected, which increases job satisfaction
and reduces turnover.
-​ A more motivated team can deliver higher quality services to clients.
Strengthens Organizational Reputation
-​ Agencies known for fairness and inclusivity attract skilled professionals
and build trust with communities.
-​ Improves credibility when advocating for social justice issues.
Challenges of Feminist Approach
Resistance from Traditional Organizational Cultures
-​ Long-standing hierarchical or patriarchal structures may resist gender
equality reforms.
-​ Can lead to conflict if change is implemented too quickly without proper
consultation.
Need for Continuous Training and Policy Revision
-​ Gender equity is not a one-time policy. It requires ongoing education,
awareness programs, and policy updates.
Cultural and Community Pushback
-​ In communities with traditional gender norms, feminist policies may face
opposition or misunderstanding.
-​ Requires careful cultural adaptation and community engagement.
City College of Ormoc