Management concepts: their transfer and implementation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to claim that Habermas's pragmatic speech act theory helps us to extend our understanding of how management concepts are actually applied. First, the relevant features of management concepts are examined, to indicate how the diffusion of knowledge about management practices and organizational structuring takes place. Subsequently, the paper focuses on the adoption of management concepts in companies, looking at the different ways management concepts are implemented. Some implementation is based on strategic actions, others on communicative action. This issue is further explored in the final section. Design/methodology/approach – Compares Lervik and Lunnar's categorization of management concept implementation to Habermas's epistemology. Findings – Identifies aspects of language as conversation as determinant of new management concept implementation. Practical implications – Shows how role discourse analysis coupled with Habermas can give an understanding of implementation of new management concepts. Originality/value – Practical application of Habermasian analysis of communication.