Emerald | Journal of Management History (Archive) | Table of Contents

Fayol stands the test of time

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Michael J. Fells) — Fri, 01 Dec 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Planning, organising, co-ordinating, commanding and controlling – these are the elements of management according to Henri Fayol. Less known, but no less important, are Fayol’s principles of management. Fayol was born in 1841 and died in 1925. His Administration Industrielle et Générale was published in French in 1916 but was not translated into English until 1929. Fayol’s work is often quickly rejected either because of its age or because it is believed to have been superseded by observational findings. However, Fayol’s work was based on observation. This paper considers some contemporary models of management (Hales, Kotter, Mintzberg) and argues that Fayol’s elements of management are not refuted but are rather reinforced by more recent findings. The paper concludes that Fayol’s work stands the test of time. The five elements of management and 14 principles of management are briefly presented.

“Progress shadowed by human waste”: the Women’s Bureau films scientific management

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Amy Sue Bix) — Fri, 01 Dec 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Within the context of America’s Depression, the Women’s Bureau of the US Department of Labor produced a unique film, Behind the Scenes in the Machine Age. The movie emphasized the seriousness of economic crisis, but promised that by eliminating “waste”, America could return to solid ground. The concept of “waste” allowed the Bureau to link scientific management to a broader message preaching workplace safety, endorsing government expertise and economic planning, and underlining women’s role in modern industrial production. The organization tailored its philosophy of scientific management to a popular audience, while highlighting woman-centered aspects of economic life.

Original documents throw new light on Frederick W. Taylor

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Charles D. Wrege) — Fri, 01 Dec 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Letter to the Editor

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Jack Rabin) — Fri, 01 Dec 2000 00:00:00 +0000