Title

Management fads: Emergence, evolution, and implications for managers

Authors

Authors

J. W. Gibson;D. V. Tesone

Comments

Authors: contact us about adding a copy of your work at STARS@ucf.edu

Abbreviated Journal Title

Acad. Manage. Exec.

Keywords

FASHION; QUALITY; TQM; Management

Abstract

Management fads often get a lot of attention. Should managers be concerned about the latest management fad, or is it just a waste of time?(1) Considerable interest has been shown in the literature about management fads and fashions. Journal and newspaper articles abound,2 and professional books have been written on the subject.(3) Unlike many literature-based, academic concepts, these fads and fashions are well known by practicing managers. This article focuses on five management fads of the late 20(th) century, each one representative of a management trend of a specific decade: MBO (1950s), sensitivity training (1960s), quality circles (1970s), total quality management (1980s), and self-managed or self-directed teams (1990s). In each case, this article explores the origin of the fad through its evolution into mainstream management practice. Further, each fad is examined to determine relevance to current management practice. The article offers practical guidelines for managers regarding which fads to embrace and when.

Journal Title

Academy of Management Executive

Volume

15

Issue/Number

4

Publication Date

1-1-2001

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

122

Last Page

133

WOS Identifier

WOS:000173333000015

ISSN

0896-3789

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