ASSIGNMENT

ON

ADMINISTRATION THEORIES

SUBMITTED

TO

DR. OMOREGIE OSAGIE

AEE515

ADMINISTRATION AND EXTENSION PROGRAMME PLANNING

GROUP 10

S/N NAMES MAT NO

1. UDUGBA RAPHAEL KELECHI AGR1800072

2. UZOMA MARVELLOUS AGR1800073

3. OKODUWA SUSAN OSEMUDIAMEN AGR1900052

4. AKPOKURIERIE ELOZINO AGR1900011

5. AMAIFE CHIDINMA BLESSING AGR1900014

6. AJAYI JOSEPH FRIDAY AGR1900010

NOVEMBER, 2023
 1. WHAT ARE THEORIES?

By definition, theory must have four basic criteria: conceptual definitions,

domain limitations, relationship-building, and predictions. Theory-building is
important because it provides a framework for analysis, facilitates the efficient
development of the field, and is needed for the applicability to practical, real world
problems. A theory presents a systematic way of understanding events or situations. It
is a set of concepts, definitions and propositions that explain or predict these events or
situations by illustrating the relationships between variables. Theories must be
applicable to a broad variety of situations.

A theory of administration is a set of ideas or principles that attempt to explain how

organizations are managed, and how management practices can be improved. It
includes concepts such as organizational structure, leadership, decision-making,
motivation, and communication. They are often used to guide the design of
organizations and to evaluate their performance. The goal is to identify best practices
and to improve organizational effectiveness.

2. CLASSIFY THE THEORY OF ADMINISTRATION ACCORDING TO

THE VARIOUS SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT.

 Scientific management Theory: Emphasizes efficiency and productivity through

standardization of work and scientific analysis of tasks.
 Human relations Theory: Focuses on human behavior and motivation in the
workplace, and emphasizes the importance of teamwork, communication, and
employee satisfaction.
 Systems Theory: Views organizations as open systems that interact with their
environment, and emphasizes the interdependence of different parts of the
organization.
 Contingency Theory: Holds that there is no one best way to manage an
organization, and that the most effective management style depends on the
specific circumstances of the organization.
 New public management Theory: Advocates for a more business-like approach to
public administration, emphasizing efficiency, performance measurement, and
accountability.

3. WRITE A DETAILED CRITIC OF AT LEAST ONE OF THE

PROPONENT OF THE THEORY OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE GROUP
LISTED ABOVE.
A. HUMAN RELATIONS THEORY:

Human Relations Theory, also known as the Humanistic Approach, is a school of

thought that emphasizes the importance of relationships, communication, and
personal satisfaction in the workplace. While the theory has been influential in
the field of organizational behavior, it has also been subject to criticism. The
theory assumes that employees are primarily motivated by personal and social
needs rather than financial incentives or job satisfaction, which may not always
be the case. The theory focuses on individual relationships and interactions, and
does not adequately address broader organizational issues such as power, politics,
and structure. The theory is sometimes accused of being too "soft" and not
providing concrete, actionable advice for managers. The theory has been
criticized for not adequately addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, and for
reinforcing traditional gender roles. Human Relations Theory has been criticized
for not providing a clear framework for measuring the effectiveness of
organizational interventions. The theory is often considered to be overly idealistic
and not grounded in empirical research. The theory is sometimes criticized for
focusing too much on the individual and not enough on the organization as a
whole. The theory has been accused of promoting a "touchy-feely" approach to
management, which may not be appropriate for all organizational contexts. The
theory has been criticized for overemphasizing the importance of informal
communication and personal relationships, while overlooking the importance of
formal structures and processes in organizations. The theory is often viewed as
being more applicable to certain types of organizations, such as small, flat
organizations, and less applicable to larger, hierarchical organizations. The theory
has been criticized for being too prescriptive and not providing enough flexibility
to account for the unique characteristics and needs of different organizations.
Some critics argue that the theory is overly optimistic and does not adequately
address the challenges and conflicts that can arise in organizations.

B. SYSTEMS THEORY:

Systems Theory posits that organizations can be understood as complex systems

with many interacting parts. The theory is often criticized for being too abstract
and lacking in concrete, practical applications. The theory has been accused of
oversimplifying the complexity of organizations and not accounting for the
dynamic and changing nature of organizational systems. The theory has been
criticized for its focus on the external environment of organizations, while
neglecting the internal processes and dynamics within organizations. The theory
 has been criticized for its emphasis on stability and equilibrium, while neglecting
the role of conflict, change, and creativity in organizational systems. Systems
Theory can be difficult to operationalize and measure in practice, making it
challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of organizational interventions. The
theory has been criticized for its lack of attention to power dynamics and the role
of politics in organizational systems. The theory has been criticized for its
emphasis on "closed" systems, while overlooking the importance of
organizations' relationships with their external environment. Some critics argue
that the theory overemphasizes the importance of interdependence and
integration, while neglecting the role of autonomy and independence in
organizational systems. Systems Theory can be critiqued for its assumption of
rationality and its neglect of the role of emotions, values, and other non-rational
factors in organizational systems. The theory has been criticized for its focus on
structural and functional aspects of organizations, while neglecting the cultural
and social dimensions of organizational life. Some critics argue that Systems
Theory is overly reductionist, simplifying the complex and dynamic nature of
organizations into a set of static, mechanistic components. The theory has been
criticized for its lack of attention to issues of social justice and equity, and for its
potential to reinforce existing power structures and inequalities within
organizations.

4. JUSTIFY THE INCLUSION OF EXTENSION ADMINISTRATION IN

YOUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM.

Extension administration plays a critical role in the success of agricultural and rural
development programs. It teaches students how to design, implement, and evaluate
programs that improve agricultural productivity, profitability, and sustainability. It
provides students with skills in communication, organization, and leadership, which
are essential for success in any profession. It fosters a culture of collaboration and
partnership between farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders, which is
essential for achieving long-term impact. Extension administration encourages
students to think critically and holistically about agricultural issues, considering
social, economic, and environmental factors.

Extension administration helps students understand the role of technology and

innovation in agricultural development, and teaches them how to effectively use and
implement new technologies. The field provides students with a global perspective,
helping them understand how agriculture and rural development differ across regions
and cultures. It helps students understand the importance of data collection and
analysis, and teaches them how to use data to make informed decisions and improve
programs. It also equips students with transferable skills, such as project management,
budgeting, and stakeholder engagement, which are useful in a wide range of industries
and sectors.