Modern to postmodern management: developments in scientific management

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to evidence the development of scientific management through the lens of postmodernism. Design/methodology/approach – The four principles of scientific management are deconstructed through a postmodern lens. Current management practices are analyzed for indicators of development in scientific management. Findings – The principles of scientific management are found within current management examples; measurement of knowledge production; empowerment; total quality management; teamwork. Scientific management, when deconstructed through the lens of postmodernism, is discovered to have developed over time. Research limitations/implications – The limitation to this study is a precise definition for postmodernism and postmodern management against which to “prove” any findings. The implication is to extend research on the development of scientific management in postmodern management. Practical implications – A practical implication for management practitioners is to apply a tenet of postmodernism to management i.e. there are a myriad of managerial approaches that work. Originality/value – The paper's contribution is that the principles of scientific management originated in modern times and are developed in postmodern management.