Classic, but not seminal: revisiting the pioneering study of managerial work

Executive Behaviour (Executive behaviour. Stockholm: Strömbergs) describes the first systematic study ever made of top managers at work. It is regarded as a classic, but due to circumstances that will be discussed below, its impact on general management theory has been relatively modest. An idea-historical re-examination of Executive Behaviour reveals several unique qualities of the study that are still worthy of recognition 50 years later. But, written before the revolution in organization theory, the book is also an interesting example of a study conducted in the scientific management tradition, with a strong emphasis on practical rationalization issues.