Organic management of frameworks and systems, but not people: An interview with Richard Davis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of organic management and demonstrate how it can be applied in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an interview with Rich Davis, a visionary executive.

Findings

Richard Davis is an extremely creative manager who transformed a small, mediocre firm into a large, superbly well‐managed company. Originating as a family retail optical business, today nearly 35 million people enjoy the many benefits of Davis Vision. Your opinions about management, leadership, employees and business problems will never be quite the same after considering the ideas of this master of wholistic, organic, integrative management. For example, associates are considered internal customers and must be delighted first, even before external customers. Associates interact in measurable and effective ways that allows the company to focus on its vision, mission, and goals while embracing a constantly changing environment and grow.

Originality/value

The great wisdom of Richard Davis has been distilled into a very few pages. It is as if the major works of Peter Drucker were so distilled. The editors suggest that you read and reread this short piece.

Citation

Lazarus, H. and Davis, R. (2006), "Organic management of frameworks and systems, but not people: An interview with Richard Davis", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 25 No. 10, pp. 1004-1006. https://doi.org/10.1108/02621710610708621