Theories

The purpose of this file is to explore and emphasise the importance of theory or underpinning assumptions in "management".

1.Consistent call for "Theories" over the past 100 years.

This call for management to identify and challenge its assumptions (theories) is not original to this site, nor is it new. The past 100 years has seen a persistent call for management to be seen as a scientific discipline.

2. Comparing Theories

The article provides a series of tables in context of the five areas:

• Our attitude to work
• How we are motivated
• Managing the parts or managing the whole system
• Measurement and the interpretation of data
• How we learn

It compares the theories, the methods that evolve and the outcomes.

3. An exploration of Modern Social Science Theories

In this article we are looking at the work of several modern scholars from Douglas McGregor, Peter Senge, W Edwards Deming etc etc.  We look at Behaviourism, Motivation, Systems Thinking, Convergent and Divergent thinking, Variation and Learning Organisations.

4. Lean Dilemma; Choose Systems Principles or Management Accounting Control; Not Both  - by Tom Johnston

This article, which is also available from the articles file, sees organisations as a natural living system. "Anyone who is aware of modern life science can never again view human social organisation, such as business, as anything but a natural living system"  Tom's argument is that it is a damaging misconception to view an organisation (or society) as a mechanical entity that can be broken down into parts, with the enterprise managing each part through budgets, targets etc.