Sifting the nonsense out of management theory
Article Abstract:
Most management theory consists of little more than jargon and gimmicks, but there are three basic schools of management thought that are distinctly identifiable: the cynic, the innovator, and a middle ground that is neither one nor the other. Several guidelines are provided for managers to help them instill a balance in the management practices of their middle managers. Among these are: while the management gimmicks cannot be accepted as a whole, there are aspects that are worth considering; the management of people is as important as the management of numbers; new developments in human resource management must be considered, and such consideration can have measurable benefits; common sense will be the final arbitrator in implementing new management theories; and support from top management for the new ideas is essential.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1984
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American management style: far from being eclipsed
Article Abstract:
The 1985 report of the Presidential Commission on Industrial Competitiveness (headed by John Young of Hewlett-Packard) concludes that the ability of U.S. businesses to compete internationally has been declining for the past two decades. Yet American management theories continue to be highly respected throughout the world, perhaps because of the enormous successes of U.S. companies such as IBM, General Electric, and Johnson and Johnson. Perhaps it is time for U.S. managers to seek overseas employment in order to be fully appreciated; a proposed ideal employment itinerary includes management experience in France or Belgium (to learn their effectiveness with quality management), in Germany (to learn the traditional work ethic of that nation) and in Japan (to learn truly long-range planning with respect to market development).
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1986
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Juran's 'industrial revolution': still developing at a rapid pace
Article Abstract:
J.M. Juran, the management scientist and quality control expert who founded the Juran Institute (Stamford, Connecticut), is interviewed. Juran notes that the two biggest quality control revolutions of the past 40 years are: Japan's transformation from a producer of poor-quality products to high-quality products, and the overall world trend toward industrialization and technology. Juran also discusses the world's dependency on quality (citing the failures of quality that have produced the Chernobyl, Bhopal and Challenger disasters), the necessity of multinational companies, and the premature application of quality circles by U.S. corporations.
Publication Name: International Management
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0020-7888
Year: 1986
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