Adapting Western management practices: the rationalization and Taylorization of Turkish state monopolies in early republican Turkey (1933–1950)
ISSN: 1751-1348
Article publication date: 24 September 2024
Issue publication date: 31 October 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the introduction of rationalist concepts through Taylorization to Turkey during the early republican era, using Wallace Clark’s case of the Turkish State Monopolies.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a historical narrative approach to explore the roles of foreign experts in the transfer of rationalist and Taylorist ideas to Turkish State Monopolies (Inhisarlar Idaresi).
Findings
This study illuminates the introduction and adoption of Taylorist principles in early republican Turkey through multiple lenses. First, it underscores the era’s fervent drive for rapid modernization, rooted in emulation of Western models perceived as progressive. Second, using a historical narrative approach, this research highlights the pivotal role of foreign expertise in catalyzing and formalizing rationalization efforts.
Originality/value
This study makes a unique and meaningful contribution to the history of management in terms of demonstrating the international influence of the Scientific Management Movement through the neglected case of Turkey.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Earlier versions of this paper were presented at the 30th National Management and Organization Congress (September 3–5, 2020) and The Birth of Contextual Thought in Ottoman and Republican Turkey (1850–1960): Disciplines, Authors, Texts Symposium (October 26–28, 2022). The author would like to thank the audience at these conferences for their constructive feedbacks. Also, the author thanks to Yael Navaro for sharing essential information for the research. The author would like to thank Daniel Wren for his contribution to this research and for sharing information and encouragement.
Research funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Citation
Yalçınkaya, A. (2024), "Adapting Western management practices: the rationalization and Taylorization of Turkish state monopolies in early republican Turkey (1933–1950)", Journal of Management History, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 513-526. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-04-2024-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited