REVITALIZING THE PIONEERS IN MANAGEMENT: THE APPLICABILITY OF F W TAYLOR, MARY PARKER FOLLETT AND CHESTER BARNARD IN THE CURRENT SRI LANKAN CONTEXT

Abstract

Even though there is a shift from the use of old management theories to new management concepts, the researcher attempts to explore the applicability of the theories of three former theorists in the current Sri Lankan context, considering the timelessness and the pragmatism of the concepts. The validity of the concepts developed by F. W. Taylor in his seminal work Principles of Management in 1911, Mary Parker Follett, in the 1920s and Chester Barnard, in The Functions of the Executive in 1938 play a significant role in determining the landscape of management practices of Sri Lanka at present. This qualitative research on a case-study design with an exploratory method used participant and semi-participant observation to gather primary data and writings of 03 pioneers in management for secondary data. Taylor’s mechanisms of reducing national inefficiency propose implementing systematic management to organizations and industries for countries with diminutive economic indicators, which is caused by larger wastes of human effort due to blundering, ill-directed or inefficient movements such as in Sri Lanka. Though it was subject to heavy criticism at the hands of economists and labour unions, his concept of “maximum prosperity through maximum productivity” benefits both the employer and the employee. Further, his time and motion studies are still being used in the manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. Mary Follett, while bridging the gap between scientific management and human relations management, has emphasized the crucial role played by management in conflict resolution. She provides insightful theories in mitigating conflicts which is highly relevant in the context of Sri Lanka today. Even though Barnard’s concepts have been pushed to the periphery in the current management studies, his concepts of the executive and leader are of vital importance to the Sri Lankan context. Barnard’s theories can be used in the inculcation of leadership which will help resurrect the corporate sector of Sri Lanka of its backwardness. Further, his conceptualizations on achieving efficiency and effectiveness through intuition, and emotional management provide a point of reference for organizations and industries in Sri Lanka. Based on the findings considering the significant impact of current management related malpractices observed during the research the researcher recommends that despite adapting the current management trends practiced in the developed world, Sri Lankan policy and decision makers could be benefited by the theories developed by the above in order to lay foundation for sustainable economic and management practices. Keywords: Scientific management, Conflict resolution, Leadership, appl