Examine and Critically Evaluate the Use of Classical, Behavioural, and Quantitative, Approaches to Management in Facilitating the Success (or Otherwise) of Qantas

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A quantitative approach to management involves the use of mathematical modelling to find the best solutions to problems. This can be applied to a variety of workplace challenges, ranging from making decisions during product development to resolving employee conflicts. (Skola, 2003) It is evident that one of the most important components of the quantitative management approaches is an ability to objectively collect information about a problem and possible solutions to develop appropriate resolutions. In 2011 Qantas faced various employee disputes between the airline and a number of trade unions, it stemmed from Qantas and the unions bargaining for new enterprise agreements. This was a challenge for all management personnell as it caused a huge uproar throughout the organisation on all levels. (Howard, 2012). As the quantitative approach allows for more objective evaluation of workplace issues, which in the long run can be helpful in tense workplaces, this didn’t seem to be of any help throughout Qantas and the disputes they did have with other trade unions, therefore it is clear that the quantitative approach to management isn’t very sucessful for Qantas, however might be more suited to an organisation like McDonald’s which have more an employee input and a quantitative approach. Furthermore in saying this, with more subjective measures and approaches, it can sometimes be challenging to accurately and fairly evaluate people or situations, and for Qantas, opering in the best interests of our passengers, employees, shareholders and Australia is a high priority.

The quantitative approach and success essentially don’t go hand in hand, as there is too much room for personal opinion when in large organisations like Qantas they pride themselves on bettering their airline by customer service and the best interests of the passengers. As the management structure is hierarchical it leaves little to no room for employees at a low level to voice their opinions, which can hinder success. As this approach is all about the decision making process, it is clear the Qantas over the years have had issues with decision making, and also communicating their decisions. However in saying this, the quantitative approach has been somewhat successful for Qantas as planning and control of the organisation has been a strong aspect for them, and CEO Alan Joyce prides Qantas on having a great plan and control over employees. Within the quantitative management approach there are three basic approaches that can be applied to organisations such as Qantas. The management science approach, operations management and management information systems and these all have different aspects that do relate facilitating success within Qantas. The operations management plays a vital role within Qantas; as it closely relates to the production process and timely delivery, and essentially Qantas need to focus on these parts of production to be successful. The Management Science Approach, closely looks at the decision making process and the statistical methods in doing so, as Qantas use the hierarchical method of decision making this would come into play and be vital for success as the way decisions are made can impact those consumers and stakeholders. If the decision making process isn’t followed at such a large organisation, like Qantas this can reflect badly on the company as a whole, and deter from the success side.

After extensive research on the approaches to management a conclusion can be made that the classical approach to management best fits with the way Qantas run their organisation, not only in terms of management structure but also the way employees are treated and also how they react to staff higher than them. Closely linked with the classical approach comes the motivation and rewards Qantas employees are given, as these do help with the success of the business. Although the management theories are vital in facilitating success, it is also evident that motivation and rewards are an important factor that contributes to the success of failure of an organisation. Especially when looking at Qantas, motivating and rewarding their employees is huge, and Alan Joyce voiced this in one of the manuals he wrote last year. So therefore it is evident that in some way or another all of the management theories do facilitate success, and have facilitated success to Qantas over the years.

Works Cited

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Howard, D. G. (2012, May 1). The Qantas dispute: employer's lockout, ministerial intervention and Fair Work Australia's decision. Retrieved September 20, 2015, from Mondaq- Connecting Knowledge & People: http://www.mondaq.com/australia/x/234664/employee+rights+labour+relations/The+Qantas+dispute+employers+lockout+ministerial+intervention+and+Fair+Work+Australias+decision

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Skola, M. M. (2003). What Is a Quantitative Management Approach? Retrieved 20 2015, 2015, from WiseGeek: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-quantitative-management-approach.htm