Mgt Challenges for the 21st Century

by Peter Drucker, #1 Management Consultant of the 20th Century, “the father of modern Management”

from Teaching PR.org 3/09 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz 10/13

History of Management. In his book, “Management Challenges for the 21st Century”, Mgt Scholar [he’s a Professor too], Peter Drucker discusses the History of Management in America and attempts to redefine the term as it pertains (or how he thinks it will pertain) to organizations in the 21st century. Drucker begins by attacking common mis-conceptions surrounding the discipline & practice of management. He explains where and how these assumptions originated and the way in which evolution of business & management practices over the last 100 years has led to new truths in the field.

Business Management is the general concept that people associated with management. While management is obviously crucial in business, Drucker argues that management exists in all types of organizations and that as the “non-profie” sector continues to grow in the 21st century, the need for effective management practices in these organizations will expand.

Management Scholars of the 20th Century. Throughout the book, Drucker makes references to well-known Mgt Pioneers such as Frederick Taylor (who studied processes to improve effeciency) & Mary Parker Follett (a pioneer on Mgt theory). Drucker examines the similarities as well as the differences between their theories and what is actually practiced today. Many of the differences can be attributed to the progress that has been made in areas such as workplace conditions, technology, and the way employees are treated. Despite the advancements in thought & technology, many of their ideas are still applicable to management organizations today. The work of these Mgt pioneers has contributed enormously to the study & practice of management, and their contributions are perhaps recognized & valued more highly today than they were during their lifetime.

One Size fits all ??? In this book, Drucker discredits the notion that there is one type of management structure that works for all types of organizations. In reality, there is not a sole management structure that can satisfy the needs of every organization. In many of the new management structures popular today, the main focus is on Teams. Drucker says that while Teams can be extremely productive & efficient when organized correctly, there must always be a Boss/ Mgr/ Leader.

[ One Size fits all ??? continued, All Management Theories present a different perspective, Expect lots of Change in Premium Content ]