Understanding Rensis Likert's Management Systems Model

Rensis Likert, a prominent organizational psychologist, developed a model that categorizes management systems into four distinct types based on their approach to supervision, motivation, communication, decision-making, goal-setting, and control. These systems represent a continuum from highly autocratic to highly participative.

Likert's Four Management Systems:

• System 1: Exploitative-Authoritative: This is the most autocratic system. Management has condescending authority, trust is non-existent, decision-making is centralized at the top, and control is tight. Motivation is based on punishment and occasional rewards. Communication flows downward.
• System 2: Benevolent-Authoritative: This system is also authoritative but less dictatorial. Management has authority but is slightly more paternalistic or condescending. There is still little trust, decision-making is centralized, but there might be some upward communication. Motivation relies on rewards and some fear.
• System 3: Consultative: In this system, managers are substantively granted authority but make efforts to consult employees. There is considerable trust between management and employees. Decisions are delegated somewhat, but important ones remain at the top. Communication flows both up and down, and employees feel generally free to discuss. Motivation is based on rewards, some involvement, and occasional punishment.
• System 4: Participative: This is the most democratic and participative system. Management has full trust and confidence in employees. Decision-making is highly decentralized and spread throughout the organization. There is excellent communication both horizontally and vertically. Motivation is achieved through high levels of involvement, participation in goal-setting, and satisfaction of esteem and self-actualization needs.

Analysis of the Options:

The question asks to identify which of the given options are considered Rensis Likert's management systems. Based on his model:

• A. Participative System: Matches System 4.
• B. Consultative System: Matches System 3.
• C. Benevolent-Authoritative: Matches System 2.
• D. Exploitative-Authoritative: Matches System 1.
• E. Maturity-Immaturity: This concept is primarily associated with Chris Argyris's theory of organizational behavior, focusing on employee personality development, rather than being one of Likert's core management system types.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the systems considered by Rensis Likert in his model are Participative, Consultative, Benevolent-Authoritative, and Exploitative-Authoritative. This corresponds to options A, B, C, and D.

The correct choice includes systems A, B, C, and D only.