European Journal of Business and Management www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1905 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2839 (Online) Vol.5, No.19, 2013 208 Effects of Classical Management Theories on the Current Management Practice in Nigeria Anichebe Nnaemeka Augustine Emekanichebe @yahoo.com. Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus Agu, Okoro Agu Don_okojombo@yahoo.com Management, University of Nigeria, Enugu campus Abstract The study of the "Effects of Classical Management Theories on Current Management Practice in Nigeria" was carried out. This was to assess the extent of application of the Scientific Management, Administrative and Bureaucratic Theories in Nigerian Organizations and the effects of the application to the progress, development and growth of these Organizations. Descriptive research method, especially survey research was employed in carrying out the study. Three hypotheses were tested using chi square and linear regression. The population of the study was 320 workers of the ANAMBRA MOTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED (ANAMMCO), EMENITE and NIGER GAS. A sample size of 177 was generated using the Taro yamene formular for sample size determination, stratified sampling technique was used in the distribution of the questionnaire for data collection. Frequency tables using simple percentages were used for analyses of the data generated. The study revealed that the application of the Scientific management. Administrative and Bureaucratic Theories in management of various organizations contributed to waste, labour turnover, layoff of workers, slow pace of organizational growth and development and low productivity in the organizations. The study concluded that given the present performances of the Nigerian Organizations, more need to be done in the way the classical management theories were applied, such that workers will be more motivated to perform in a conducive work environment. It was recommended that, for organizations to achieve the objectives of effective and efficient productivity, they must understand, accommodate, embrace and promote people dynamics (nature, needs, values, motivations and general cultural political environmental differences). Organizations should also review periodically their rules, regulations and manuals to ensure current trends in the business environment. Finally, that organization should allow for initiative, innovations and workers participation in decision making. Keywords: classical management, management practice, Nigeria Introduction The study of classical management thoughts which are set of concepts that started in 1800s took their roots in the study of organizations. The effects of the set of theories of organization has been and are still profound. The effects are seen virtually in all complex organizations. The word that is said most about the classical view of organization is “structure” (The structure of formal organization). An organization is defined as a formal association of individuals with a common purpose and with stipulated objectives to attain under authority and leadership (Onwuchekwa, 1993:2). An organization is also defined as the structure of the relationships, powers, objectives, roles, activities, communications and other factors that exist when people work together (Ile, 1999:55). Scientific Management, Administrative theory and the Theory of Bureaucracy are the three streams of classical management theories that have stressed this point of view. Therefore the classical theories were developed in three streams viz; (a) The Scientific Management theory developed by Fredrick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915) (b) The Administrative Management theory, developed by Henri Fayol (1841 - 1925) and (c) The Bureaucratic Management theory, propounded by Max Weber (1864-1920). The three streams of thought were founded on similar assumptions. The practical effects of the three are essentially the same, in that they were developed about the same time, (1900-1950). However, each of the three streams were developed by separate groups of writers working almost totally independent of each other. The Scientific Management Theory formulated by Fredrick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915) and others like:- Henry L. Gant (1861-1919), Frank B. and Lillian M. Gilbreth (1868-1924) and (1878-1972) respectively, focused on the need to increase productivity, especially in United States of America, where skilled labour was in short supply at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was the believe of the Scientific Management Developers that, the only way to increase productivity was to increase the efficiency of workers. The Administrative Management Theory, developed by Henri Fayol (1841-1925), was mostly out for the need to find guidelines for managing a complex organization such as factories. He therefore concentrated on authority and its implementation in work place. He developed five functions of management, which include;