Modern to postmodern management: developments in scientific management

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to evidence the development of scientific management through the lens of postmodernism.

Design/methodology/approach

The four principles of scientific management are deconstructed through a postmodern lens. Current management practices are analyzed for indicators of development in scientific management.

Findings

The principles of scientific management are found within current management examples; measurement of knowledge production; empowerment; total quality management; teamwork. Scientific management, when deconstructed through the lens of postmodernism, is discovered to have developed over time.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation to this study is a precise definition for postmodernism and postmodern management against which to “prove” any findings. The implication is to extend research on the development of scientific management in postmodern management.

Practical implications

A practical implication for management practitioners is to apply a tenet of postmodernism to management i.e. there are a myriad of managerial approaches that work.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is that the principles of scientific management originated in modern times and are developed in postmodern management.

Citation

Kemp, L.J. (2013), "Modern to postmodern management: developments in scientific management", Journal of Management History, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 345-361. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-02-2011-0005