A longitudinal analysis of technical and organizational uncertainty in management theory

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examines the rise of discourse on uncertainty in management during the period 1879-1932. It offers quantitative empirical analyses that are based on primary data collected from the American Machinist and the Engineering Magazine, the central sources of documentation on management during this period. The research provides a critical interpretation of the emergence of uncertainty discourse by linking it to professional, cultural and social forces. The empirical findings lend strong empirical support for the 'professionalization' and the 'labour unrest' arguments. The implications for contemporary organization theory are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)243-265
Number of pages23
JournalOrganization Studies
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Genealogical analysis
  • History of organization theory
  • Managerial ideology
  • Mechanical engineering and management
  • Organizational uncertainty

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A longitudinal analysis of technical and organizational uncertainty in management theory'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this