Discovering the Foundational Philosophies, Practices, and Influences of Modern Management Theory

Journal of Management History Vol. 20 No. 2, 2014 pp. 145-163

19 Pages Posted: 1 Jul 2014

See all articles by Eric Dent

Eric Dent

Florida Gulf Coast University; Florida Gulf Coast University - Lutgert College of Business

Pamela Bozeman

Northern Arizona University

Date Written: March 5, 2014

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to discuss the factors that influenced the establishment of modern management into the pervasive force it is today. It briefly describes modern management and discusses the reasons for this gap in knowledge in such a critical area. The main analysis of the paper focuses on the following social ideas and influences that created the conditions for modern management to be formed and established: social Darwinism and religion, the rise of social science, the promise of the scientific method, and the perspectives of the business tycoons.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper analyzes the prevailing trends of the late 1800s to determine which had the greatest influence on the formation of modern management.

Findings – This paper concludes that the greatest factors on the establishment of modern management were social Darwinism and the promise of the scientific method. These, then, provided the perfect environment for Frederick W. Taylor to become the embodiment and popularizer of modern management. Perhaps, surprisingly, Christianity had little influence.

Originality/value – Now that the prevailing influences of modern management have been surfaced, scholars and practitioners can more effectively critique the current state of management and determine whether legacy assumptions and influences are still valid, or whether modern management should change in some way(s) to better reflect accurate assumptions and influences operative today. The anonymous reviewers of this paper have found this analysis to be provocative and challenging. They have also concluded that a single article cannot do justice to such an important, yet relatively unexplored area. Consequently, the authors hope that other researchers will also be provoked to join in this important task.

Keywords: Religion, Science, Management history, Christianity, Scientific management,

Suggested Citation

Dent, Eric and Bozeman, Pamela, Discovering the Foundational Philosophies, Practices, and Influences of Modern Management Theory (March 5, 2014). Journal of Management History Vol. 20 No. 2, 2014 pp. 145-163, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2457637

Eric Dent (Contact Author)

Florida Gulf Coast University ( email )

10485 FGCU Blvd S
Ft. Myers, FL 33965-6565
United States

Florida Gulf Coast University - Lutgert College of Business ( email )

10485 FGCU Blvd S
Fort Myers, FL
United States

Pamela Bozeman

Northern Arizona University ( email )

PO Box 15066
Flagstaff, AZ 86011
United States

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