This paper offers a critical reappraisal of the nature and significance of guru theory. Noting that critical scholars of management have sought to dismiss guru theory as an insubstantial and ephemeral body of knowledge, dedicated to the production of fads, which are said to obscure the reality...

This paper offers a critical analysis of recent developments in management knowledge. Observing that detractors have sought to “brand” developments in management knowledge as faddish and insubstantial distortions of the nature of management and the realities of organization, the paper offers...

Critiques the visions of management gurus in comparison to the measures which they offer to “deliver” them. Argues that organization development requires a qualitatively different look at workers and work going beyond behavioural prescription. Presents the concept of the new skills mix...

Argues that so‐called practical approaches to management are misguided since they tend to assume that practical matters can be considered separately from, and prior to, theoretical analysis and reflection. Making a call for a more explicitly theoretical approach to management, makes...