The Roots and Future of Management Theory: A Systems Perspective

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Summary: The New Growth-Development Ethic
Review: This is another wonderful book from the prolific writer, William Roth! The author takes us into a beautiful journey of the evolution of management theories beginning with the economic and social timeframes from the Pre-Industrial Revolution through the Post-Industrial Revolution. The theories discussed deal with the religious and philosophical factors that have influenced society and the economy, and how the internal and external forces have contributed to our socioeconomic policies.

The author begins by taking us back to the Medieval Period where one's work was a skill or an art passed on from father to son. Work was a source of pride, and allegiance to one's work coincided with allegiance to one's superior, usually the lord of an estate. Religion played a critical role during this period because the Church was highly involved in dictating the business of work to skilled artisans and craftsmen. Trade was conducted in Medieval society with the Church having a major part in the affairs of workers.

The Reformation Period which followed brought us into the minds of various philosophers who questioned man's position in the world and the rational quest for religious insight. Calvin's notion of "predetermination" engulfed society in a quest for working diligently on earth. Eventually this collective mindset overshadowed the strength which the Church once exhibited in people's lives. Ultimate truths were questioned during this period in the philosophies of skepticism and rationalism. The scientific method introduced us to theories from Copernicus and Galileo relating to the earth and its position in the universe. The Church is losing its hold as an influential factor in the lives of individuals during this fascinating period.

The Enlightenment period follows where Adam Smith and his treatise "The Wealth of Nations" takes a firm hold of society. Importantly, Smith espoused the "laissez faire economics" which catapulted the division of labor and brought forth the Industrial Revolution which changed everything in everyone's lives. This period gave rise to England's "manufactories" and the consequential injustices toward unskilled workers and child laborers. Working conditions were poor and laissez faire economics was not the solution to the injustices brought about by the mechanistic organizations of this critical historic Period.

The author discusses the Industrial Revolution and its socioeconomic ramifications. Industrialization brought about the need for better management and organization of the work force. Trade unions grew as a result of injustices in the workplace that were not corrected by companies. Individuals performed mindless, mechanical work during this period where labor was exploited ruthlessly by individuals who saw not the needs of the workers, but the numbers that generated income and profits. As a consequence of the social inequity, workers began to unite and play a proactive role in their destinies as human beings in the work force. The work of Robert Owen contributed to the improvement in the lives of working individuals.

Proceeding into analysis of the Industrial Revolution and its problems, the author discusses how the science of management evolved from the studies of noteworthy individuals such as Joseph Wharton, Frederick Taylor, and Max Weber, and how efforts to improve the management of organizations and humanize the work force took shape in the 1930's. The preoccupation with raising the quality of worker's lives brought to fruition works espousing the theories of effectiveness versus efficiency of workers. Singer's theory on the quest for the ideal is prevalent in all men, and in particular, in workers who would be more effective if given the means to do so. Thus, the mechanistic workforce of the Industrial Revolution reacted against its working environment. The author's brilliant analysis of the problems presiding throughout the history of the Industrialization period leads us to a clearer picture of the need for synthesizing that which is fraught with erroneous assumptions. Man's life is no different at work than at home. The need for man to pursue the ideals of truth and beauty, for instance, will remain the same throughout an individual's life. Self development is the critical component missing in the work life of individuals in organizations. The mechanistic work environment of the Industrial era led to the imprisonment of man's soul and kept him from realizing his true self worth. The challenge now, as the author discusses, is to synthesize "the mess" and make it more meaningful for individuals. Thus, the systems theory espouses the importance of the individual within the work environment.

The key to accomplishing the task of shaping management theory today is to synthesize historic theories of management with a healthy socioeconomic perspective or social philosophy. The eradication of the "growth ethic mentality" in the U.S. must give way to the introduction of the "growth-development ethic", the new social philosophy, where growth as a nation is tempered with the development of its individuals.

The author's writing flows smoothly from beginning to end, while the theories of management are articulated in such a way that is easy to understand and assimilate in our concepts of management. This book was a joy to read and will be one that is revisited time and again!