Management fads: Emergence, evolution, and implications for managers

    Authors

    J. W. Gibson;D. V. Tesone

    Comments

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    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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