The Little Book of Big Management Theories

INTRODUCTION

In this section you’ll find two types of theories. The first comes from the very early days of management when writers tried to identify and describe the functions of management. They tell you what you should be doing. The second type tells you how you should do it.

The one thing that none of the theories say is ‘To thine own self be true’ (Shakespeare, Hamlet). What this means in management terms is that if you try to copy someone else’s approach you will fail. You have to become the unique manager that you were meant to be. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have role models.

By all means copy the actions of managers you admire. Read the biographies of managers that make the best-seller list. But remember you are not them. You ...