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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 243-265 |
Number of pages | 23 |
Journal | Organization Studies |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Genealogical analysis
- History of organization theory
- Managerial ideology
- Mechanical engineering and management
- Organizational uncertainty