Background
Managerial theories of the firm delve into the motivations and behaviors of managers within a firm, offering explanations that go beyond the traditional profit maximization framework. These theories contend that the decisions and actions of managers significantly influence the operations and outcomes of a firm.
Historical Context
The traditional economic model up to the mid-20th century predominantly focused on profit maximization as the ultimate goal of a firm. This assumption was rooted in Classical and Neoclassical economic theories which posited that firms aimed to maximize shareholder value. However, shifts in the economic landscape, marked by the separation of ownership and control in large corporations, led to the development of alternative theories that account for managerial motivations and behavior.
Definitions and Concepts
Managerial theories of the firm propose that firm behavior can often be better explained by understanding the personal goals and motivations of the managers running the firm. These goals might include:
- Career advancement
- Job security
- Personal income maximization
- Ease of work life
Major Analytical Frameworks
Understanding managerial theories involves analysis from various economic perspectives and frameworks.
Classical Economics
Classical economists emphasize profit maximization, focusing on the role of firms in efficient resource allocation. Managerial theories add nuance by suggesting managers might prioritize their welfare over strict profit maximization.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics incorporates more refined models of firm behavior under perfect competition. Managerial theories critique these models, highlighting informational and motivational constraints that deviate from this ideal.
Keynesian Economic
Keynesian economics provides a broader view by accounting for aggregate demand and macroeconomic factors influencing firm operations. Managerial theories contribute to this by examining how managers’ short-term goals might conflict with the long-term health of a firm.
Marxian Economics
Marxian analysis looks at firm behavior through the lens of labor-capital relations. Managerial theories provide insights into the internal dynamics of firms, including how managers may exploit both labor and the firm’s capital for personal gain.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists study the role of institutions and cultural norms in shaping economic behavior. Managerial theories align with this by considering corporate governance structures and regulatory environments influencing managerial decisions.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics recognizes psychological factors and biases that affect economic decision-making. Managerial theories drew from this, focusing on how behavioral inclinations of managers impact firm strategy and performance.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesian theorists argue for a realistic understanding of firms’ behavior under uncertainty and their financial arrangements. Managerial theories contribute by examining how managers’ reluctance or propensity to risk impacts firm growth and stability.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economics, with its emphasis on information asymmetries and entrepreneurial discovery, complements managerial theories by addressing how managers operate under uncertainty and imperfect information.
Development Economics
In developing economies, firms might be influenced heavily by state controls, resource scarcity, and differing managerial incentives. Managerial theories can enrich the analysis by examining individual managerial goals within these contexts.
Monetarism
Monetarist views focus on the influence of money supply on economic activities. Managerial theories add a layer of understanding about how managers’ decisions in a firm affect, and are affected by, broader monetary policies.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing profit maximization and managerial theories, the latter acknowledges several practical constraints that the former overlooks:
- Limitations in available information.
- Decision-making based on rules and habitual practices rather than optimal choices.
- Managerial welfare considerations potentially creating a divergence from profit maximization.
Case Studies
Real-world instances demonstrating managerial theories include:
- Instances where CEOs of large corporations prioritize mergers and acquisitions that can enhance their power and remuneration rather than necessarily increasing shareholder value.
- Family businesses where management decisions prioritize personal relationships and legacy over strictly financial returns.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Theory of the Firm: Managerial Behavior, Agency Costs and Ownership Structure” by Michael C. Jensen and William H. Meckling
- “Managerial Economics” by William F. Samuelson and Stephen G. Marks
- “Economic Foundations of Managerial and Cost Accounting” by Roland Guidance and Klaus H. Henn
Related Terms with Definitions
- Satisficing: A decision-making strategy that aims for a satisfactory or adequate result, rather than the optimal solution.
- Principal-Agent Problem: A conflict in priorities between a person (principal) and their representative (agent) due to differing motivations.
- Corporate Governance: Rules, practices, and processes by which a firm is directed and controlled in order to align interests among stakeholders.
- Takeover: The acquisition of control over a company, often executed to replace management whom shareholders believe are underperforming.
