Introduction: Background on management Theory and research Discussion Early classical theories of managements of Fredrick W Taylor, Henri Fayol and Max Weber studied work processes, management principles and functions, and organizational structure to enhance management efficiency and effectiveness. Mary Parker’s theory takes a contrary view to these theories as it considers the value of human element in helping enhance management efficiency and productivity. She emphasizes the importance of management behavior on efficiency and productivity. Follett’s ideas continue to assist managers succeed in the current dynamic business to deal with this volatile business environments, managers apply Follett’s seminal work concepts, such as leadership, empowerment, self managed teams, motivation, corporate ethics, and others. This paper discusses the value and relevance of three of Follett’s ideas for managers in the 21 st century. It contrasts early classical theories of Taylor, Fayol, and Weber to Mary Parker Follett’s human relations approach to management efficiency and productivity. Early Classical theories of F W Taylor, Henri Fayol and Max Weber on Studying Work Processes, Management Principles and Functions Taylor’s scientific management theory advocates for a managerial approach that assists employers in controlling and directing the activities of employees (Reed, 1996, p. 35). The approach supports and believes in the principle of optimizing production achieved through division of labor, with each worker performing the same task the same way under strict supervision. Each task is subdivided into smaller units, and employees are trained to get the best from each motion and every second substantiated by Taylor’s time-and-motion studies (Bolman, 2003, p.44). Henri Fayol was concerned with the chaos, disruption, and conflict in firms as a result of rapid growth and development. He came up with principles of organization driven by the need to coordinate and control in order to manage the conflict caused by informal behavior (Reed, 1996, p. 35). Classical organization theory is anchored on the underlying idea that a firm provides a principle of structural design and a practice of operational control which can be rationally determined and formalized in advance of actual performance (Reed, 1996, p. 36). In this approach, Fayol identifies five basic functions of organization, such as planning, organizing, coordination, commanding, and controlling. Max Weber bureaucratic approach advocates for structural ideas which emphasize on the framework of power and domination in form of patriarchy, rather than rationality. Similarly, the approach bases its concepts on organizing principles (Bolman, 2003, p. 45). Patriarchal organizations are controlled by father figures with unlimited power. These organizations can reward, punish, promote, or dismiss people on personal whim. Max Weber states six important features in his theory: fixed division of labor; hierarchy of offices; set of rules governing performance; separation of personal from official property and rights; technical qualifications for recruiting; and employment as primary occupation and long-term career (Bolman, 2003, p.109). Weber’s bureaucratic a