Trends in the development of management theories

Abstract

Management at different periods of human history appears in its various forms, and as time went by its importance was magnified. Management initially appeared as a practice, and at the beginning of the twentieth century it developed to a new scientific discipline, along with the use of scientific methods. Along with that, the first theories of management were formed. During the previous 100 years of development of management as a science, theories of management have significantly evolved. However, it seems that at this point of time performed standstill period in their development. In order to once again point to the phenomenon, this paper first discusses the concept of theory, which is made up of concepts, principles and techniques. Then the focus is transferred to the management, which is considered from the standpoint of terminology, definitions, and managerial functions and subjective elements of support. Then the evolutionary development of management is considered, from the standpoint of the timeframe: the past, present and the future. At the end some current issues of management are discussed, form those relating to contemporary, as well as those concerning the future management theories. The authors conclude that the material could be of use to students of management, current and future managers as well as researchers in the field of management in defining the agenda of management issues, and tracing lines of research.