False Prophets: The Gurus Who Created Modern Management And Why Their Ideas Are Bad For Business Today

by James Hoopes

According to Jim Hoopes, the fundamental principles on which business is based-authority, power, control-are increasingly at odds with principles of life in a democratic society-freedom, equality, individualism. False Prophets critically examines the pioneering theories of the early management thinkers, such as Taylor, Follett, Mayo, and Deming, which intended to democratize corporate life yet have proved antithetical to the successful practice of business. Hoopes challenges popular management movements that followed in the wake of these thinkers and accuses today's business theorists of perpetuating bad management in the name of democratic values. He urges executives and managers to recognize the realities of corporate life and learn to apply the principles of power. He also unveils a new management agenda that will be of paramount significance to modern organizations. A rich and lively read, False Prophets provides a refreshingly new and original overview of the history of management in the larger context of the American culture, brilliantly illustrating its evolution-from the ivory tower to the shop floor.

Genres: Business, Economics, Nonfiction, Management

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2003

Reviews

[M.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book that teaches business students to be properly sceptical to the next big ideas in the field of business and management. It also conveys a very personal (biased) of the main management influences of the 20th century that is completely unlike the dry summaries found in Wikipedia and elsewhere. The book is unafraid to judge and cast a negative light on many of the 'gurus', but the book always backs up its viewpoints with good arguments.

[Leyendecker1874 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a little long winded but overall a easy read. Good background and grounding in history.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives a good historical overview of the history of Project Management in the United States. It is a quick read, but can drag a bit with too many biographical details and not enough focus on the methods of the different 'gurus'. If you are interested in the historical development of American Project Management it is a good book to read. Borrow, don't buy.