A Study on the Evolution of Management Principles

1968-06It is far more important to concentrate upon recent developments and current lines of research than to review the historical growth of the management prin-ciples. Certain principles of management can be traced back many centuries but there has not been a continuous historical development of management principles over the years. Instead, there has been the sporadic recurrence of certain ideas, formulated independently by different writers, at different times, and in different circumstances. Therefore, it is misleading to give primarycredit for the develop-ment of management principles to one group. The Scientific Management movement in the United States has been an enor-mous influence but is only one strand of ideas which is important to the mana-gement of the future. There are a number of idea sources that deserve comment, but I will emphasize some of those that have made important contributions to management principles