Final answer:
Surveying the history of management helps to understand and avoid past mistakes, comprehend the evolution of management theories, and apply best practices to modern business strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of surveying the history of management is multifaceted but primarily concerns understanding past management practices to improve current strategies and avoid previous mistakes. The development of management theories, such as Frederick Taylor's Principles of Scientific Management, underlies modern management by emphasizing the importance of maximizing profits for employers alongside the best outcomes for employees. Taylor introduced the use of time and motion studies to enhance productivity and create standardized methods of work. Similarly, Douglas McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y describe different management styles, reflecting attitudes towards workforce motivation and discipline.
By examining these historical theories and practices, one can better understand the evolution of management and thus apply the most effective strategies in today's complex business environment. It is not just about adopting old methods but shaping them to fit current organizational structures and social attitudes. Therefore, surveying the history of management serves to avoid past mistakes, understand the factors that shaped management, and implement best practices for a productive and harmonious workplace.