Management

Much of what is known in modern management theory today is not new. In fact most successful contemporary management ideas stem from the history of administrative thought. For this reason, it is essential for students to place modern management in proper perspective and to explore the origin and evolution of management theory. Management: Ideas and Actions is an integrative text covering essential concepts of management theory. The text has two primary goals: the first goal is to illustrate that there are recurring themes in the field which transcend both time and fashion; the second goal is to demonstrate the continuing usefulness of concepts and prescriptions resulting from these themes by presenting case examples from modern organizations and experiences of individual managers. The text shows that although management can appear faddish, it is not about fads, and that although it is a practical art fundamentally about human relationships, it is also systematic and conceptual. Ideal for undergraduate, MBA, and graduate-level management courses, Management: Ideas and Actions demonstrates that management is cumulative and has scientific foundations, illustrates evolving currents and themes, and confirms occasional revolutionary progress. The author believes that we shortchange management and its history if we limit ourselves only to contemporary interpretations, and that we seriously hinder future managers by not sharing the wisdom that has emerged over more than a century.

Table of Contents:
Part I. An Invitation to Management 1: Why Management? 2: Management and Managers Part II. Challenges of Management 3: The Challenge of Efficiency: Doing Things Right 4: The Challenge of Change: Doing the Right Things 5: The Challenge of Leadership Part III. Coordinating Resources 6: Goal Setting and Decision Making 7: Authority and Coordination 8: Management and Motivation Part IV. Managing Relationships and Culture 9: Managing Responsibility: Obligations and Values 10: Managing Culture and Quality 11: Lessons of Management: Prescriptions, Enigmas, and Paradoxes References

Review :
"I like the way Duncan has laid out the book. In particular, the initial parts do an excellent job of introducing the reader to the field of management via an emphasis on efficiency and specialization....This book is unique because it offers an interesting and insightful look at management in both a historical and relevant context." --Richard Hodgetts, Florida International University "This is an impressive work and very valuable in its historical perspective and clarification of the evolution of management thinking.--David W. Jamieson, Jamieson Consulting Group "The overall organization is logical and concise....The text's level seems quite appropriate for a volume designed to be an informative introduction to the founders and foundations of managerial practice. It is written in an engaging and stimulating style."--Arthur G. Bedeian, Louisiana State University "The strengths of the book as a core text are that the book is relatively easy to read, it is well written and interesting, and it covers much of the history of management and management principles....Readable and enjoyable. It also has much more on the history of management ideas than most books."--Robert Gephart, University of Alberta, Canada