It is fortunately for this generation manager because they have more than century's management theory and thought to retrospect. Although modern management theory dates primarily from the early twentieth century, there was serious thinking and theorizing about managing many years before. Throughout many different contributions of writers and practitioners have resulted different approaches to management, resulting in a kind of management theory jungle and help them to face the challenge of the future.
Despite the inexactness and relative crudity of management theory, the development of thought on management dates back to the days when people first attempted to accomplish goals by working together in groups. To know something of the background of the development of management thought. 'Even limited knowledge can help one appreciate the many opinions, ideas, and scientific underpinnings which preceded the upsurge of management thought may help us avoid rediscovering previously know ideas.' (Harold Koontz, Heinz Weihrich, 1988)
2. Development in management theory
2.1 Management Development History
The history of modern management has been characterized by the swing of a pendulum. 'Trace back the evolution of management theory from the nineteenth century to the present day--basically from Taylorism to Japanization.' (John Sheldrake, 1997) Scientific management developed in the crucible of American industrialization and subsequently spread throughout the industrial and industrializing world.
Taylor proved to be a major instigator of the creation and widespread application of scientific management, although not the first to investigate a theory in this area. However, while Taylor's guidelines for management are perhaps the most widely recognised many contributors to this approach, whose work also shows relevance today. To mention only few below:
'Management as a profession', Mary Parker Follett (1868-1933)
'Classifying the Elements