In management circles there is a name for the aforementioned management theory—Scientific Management. This theory was derived from the Newtonian concept of how the universe is ordered. For a long time this construct of order was helpful in organizing our management knowledge when applied to business situations. However, not all parts of the theory fit today because we are experiencing modern times calling for modern management. In fact, every model we are using is subject to being questioned in light of applicability. Therefore, we may make the following observations:
- Traditional models are not bad—they just don’t work as well anymore.
- Every business model we learned is shifting.
- Every model is therefore suspect.
Lurking in the background has been a competing theory of how businesses should be led and managed. Events, circumstances, and the nature of the evolving fundamental processes of society have brought the competing theories into vogue. Now you are being asked to look at your business from a shifted point of view. Concepts such as self-directed work teams, empowerment, and shared decision making are terms frequently found in your business meetings. Instead of just making things you are now being asked to put your customers’ needs in the center of the ring and respond accordingly. Consumers take quality as a given, want the product yesterday, and expect to pay less and less. The Henry Ford quote, “Any color you want, so long as it’s black,” worked well for his time but wouldn’t survive till the sun goes down in view of this shift in management thinking.