Management has existed since ancient times when humans first lived in groups. The evolution of management thought can be divided into four main eras: early contributions before scientific management, classical/traditional scientific management, human relations, and modern management. The scientific management era began with Frederick Taylor who introduced scientific principles to management. Other contributors included Frank and Lillian Gilbreth and Henry Gantt. Henri Fayol developed principles of modern management and advocated their universal applicability. Criticism of the failure to consider human elements led to the human relations era focused on relationships.

1. History & Development of
Management

2. No doubt the 20th century is the era of scientific
management. But this doesn’t mean that management
belongs to 20th century alone. The origin of
Management can be traced back to the days when
man started living in group. In other words,
management is as old as human civilisation itself.
Thus, it is necessary for us to have a brief discussion
on the evolution of management

3. The study of history & development of management thoughts
can be divided into the following parts:
A) Early Contributions:
I. Management in ancient times
II. Management in Pre-Scientific Management period
B) Classical or Traditional Management:
III. Management in Scientific period
C) Human Relations Era:
IV. Management in Human Relations & Human Behaviour period
D) Modern Management Era:
V. Management in Modern Period

4. Management in Ancient Time
As mentioned before, management in some form or the other
has been practiced in many parts of the world since man started
living in group. History reveals that the concept of organisation
and administration existed in
Egypt, Greece, Athens, China, &

5. & India

6. Perhaps in ancient times, the principles of science
were not applied to management. Customs, traditions &
institutions played an important role in the field of
management.

7. Management in Pre-Scientific
Management period
During this period(i.e., the period following Industrial
Revolution upto1880), certain pioneers changed the
traditional character of management & introduced new
ideas and approaches. The notable contributors of this
period, & their contributions are:

8. Robert Owen (U.K.,1771-1858)
He was one of the most successful industrialists of
the early 19th century. He emphasised the recognisation
of human element in industry. His philosophy was that
good personnel management
pays dividends to the
employer. He has been
referred to as the ‘Father of
Personnel Management’.

9. Prof. Charles Babbage (U.K.,1792-
1871)
He was a professor of mathematics at
Cambridge University. He invented a
mechanical calculator called ‘Differential
Engine’. His philosophy was that the
methods of science & mathematics could be
applied to the solution of problems of
factories. His prominent contributions were
in the area of costing, engineering, & profit
sharing according to productivity.

10. Henry Varnum Poor (U.K.,1792-
1871)He was the editor of the
‘American Railroad Journal’. He
found that American railroads were
being mismanaged. He emphasised
the need of effective management. He
advocated a managerial system with a
clear organisation structure,
communication & complete
accountability.

11. The early contributions in the field of management by
industrialists & intellectuals provided some insight about
managerial problems and more effective utilisation of
resources. However, they failed to stimulate to study
management as a distinct discipline.

12. Management in Scientific period
The Industrial Revolution in England during the 18th & 19th
centuries is the real beginning of scientific management. The
Industrial Revolution led to the use of power & machines, large
scale production, division of labour, specialisation, emergence of
partnership firms, joint stock companies & factory system which
had a great impact on the nature of organisation & management.

13. Frederick Winslow Taylor
(U.S.A. 1856-1915)
F.W. Taylor was the first person to
insist the introduction of scientific
methods in management. He made the
first systematic study of management.
He started a new movement in 1910 in
U.S.A, which is known as ‘Scientific
Management’. Therefore, he is
regarded as the ‘father of scientific
management’. The concept was further
developed by

14. Frank Gilbreth Henry Gantt

15. & Lillian Gibreth

16. Henri Fayol
(U.S.A. 1841-1925)
Henri Fayol used the term
‘administration’ instead of
‘management’. He is considered as the
‘father of principles of modern
management. He advocated that
principles of management are
universally applicable irrespective of
the type of organisation & managerial
situation.

17. Human relations era
Both Taylor & Fayol were criticised for their failure
to recognise the significance of human element in
organisations. As a result, at the end of scientific
management movement there started an era of human
relation movement. This period emphasised human
relationships in organisations. There started an increasing
application of psychology, sociology & other behavioural
sciences to the management of people.

18. George Elton Mayo – Founder of
human relations movement

19. Other Contributers
Marry Parker Follett

20. A. H. Maslow

21. Frederick Herzberg

22. & Douglas McGregor