Which concept is associated with the human relations movement?

The concept associated with the human relations movement is behavioral management theory. This movement emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a response to the limitations of classical management theories, which often overlooked the emotional and social dimensions of the workplace. Behavioral management theory emphasizes understanding the needs, motivations, and relationships of employees, highlighting the importance of organizational culture and interpersonal dynamics in enhancing productivity and job satisfaction.

By focusing on how individuals and groups behave within organizations, behavioral management theory seeks to create a more humane work environment that values employee input and encourages collaboration. This approach aligns closely with the principles of the human relations movement, which emphasized the significance of human factors in the workplace and advocated for better communication and a more empathetic management style as a way to improve morale and performance.

In contrast, classical management theory tends to emphasize hierarchy and structure, situational leadership focuses on adapting leadership styles to different situations rather than human relations specifically, and the application of the scientific method is more aligned with efficiency and task optimization rather than the interpersonal aspects that human relations emphasizes.