As of the course text highlights, there are many different theories-of both human development and management-that may influence how a child development program is run and what decisions a program administrator makes. In the realm of human development, theories can be categorized into several different types: maturationist, behaviorist/environmentalists, interactionist, and ecological. Within each type, certain theorists have developed specific ideas on how and why humans develop the way that they do: Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Bronfenbrenner, Gardner, and B. F. Skinner are a few notable examples. In the management realm, there also are a variety of theories that explain the process of managing organizations and people.
These include the classical view, the modern perspective, the symbolic-interpretative view, and the postmodern perspective. In recent years, scholar D. J. Lemak has argued that these theories can be grouped into paradigms, depending on their interpretations of key management concepts: the classical paradigm, the behavioral paradigm, and the systems paradigm. Finally, Chapter 3 also provides an overview of the ecological systems framework method for understanding social and biological systems, including child development centers.
In this Discussion, you will consider which theory (or combination of theories) from each realm resonates most with you, and how you might apply these theories in the management of a child development center.
To prepare for this Discussion, reflect on the following:
Which theory or theories of human development align most closely with your personal beliefs about how children learn and grow? Why?
Which theory or theories of management align most closely with your personal beliefs about how organizations should be conceived of and managed? Why?
How might these chosen theories influence your decisions as a program administrator at a child development center?
With these thoughts in mind, follow the instructions below to post your response to this Discussion topic.
By Wednesday of Week 5:
Post a brief analysis of at least one theory of human development and one theory of management that you feel closely aligns with your personal beliefs on each topic, explaining why. Then, explain at least two specific ways in which the theories you chose might influence your decisions as a program administrator at a child development center.