Who is called the prophet of management?

Mary Parker Follett: The Prophet of Management

Mary Parker Follett (1868-1933) was a pioneering management theorist and social worker who made significant contributions to the field of organizational development. She is widely regarded as the “Prophet of Management” for her innovative ideas and forward-thinking perspectives on leadership and management.

Key Contributions to Management Theory

Follett’s work focused on the importance of collaboration, integration, and democratic decision-making in management. She believed that management is the art of getting things done through people and advocated for a more holistic and inclusive approach to leadership. Follett’s key contributions include:

• Transformational Leadership: She coined the term “Transformational Leadership,” emphasizing the role of leaders in inspiring and empowering their followers.
• Employee Participation: Follett stressed the importance of involving employees in decision-making processes, recognizing their knowledge and expertise.
• Lateral Processes: She advocated for matrix organizations and lateral processes, promoting collaboration and cross-functional teamwork.
• Low Hierarchy Structures: Follett believed in flattening organizational structures, reducing bureaucracy, and empowering frontline employees.
• Empowerment: She emphasized the need to empower employees and give them the authority to make decisions and take initiative.
• Work in Networks: Follett recognized the importance of building networks and relationships within and outside organizations.

Timely Insights and Recognition

Follett’s ideas were remarkably ahead of her time. She anticipated concepts that would later become central to modern management practices, such as empowerment, work in networks, and the use of standards by professional associations. Despite her significant contributions, Follett’s work was not widely recognized during her lifetime. It was not until later that her ideas gained recognition and influence.

Legacy and Influence

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Follett’s work. Books and publications dedicated to her ideas have been published, and her contributions have been acknowledged by scholars and practitioners alike. Follett’s legacy continues to inspire and inform contemporary management practices, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, employee empowerment, and democratic leadership.

Sources

• Review: [Untitled] on JSTOR
• The prophet of management
• “Mary Parker Follett: Prophet of Management” edited by Pauline Graham

FAQs

Who was Mary Parker Follett?

Mary Parker Follett was a pioneering management theorist and social worker born in 1868. She is known for her innovative ideas on leadership, management, and employee participation.

Why is Mary Parker Follett called the “Prophet of Management”?

Follett is regarded as the “Prophet of Management” because her ideas were remarkably ahead of her time. She anticipated concepts that would later become central to modern management practices, such as empowerment, work in networks, and the use of standards by professional associations.

What were Mary Parker Follett’s key contributions to management theory?

Follett’s key contributions include:
* Coining the term “Transformational Leadership”
* Emphasizing employee participation in decision-making
* Advocating for matrix organizations and lateral processes
* Promoting low hierarchy structures and employee empowerment
* Recognizing the importance of work in networks

Why was Mary Parker Follett’s work not widely recognized during her lifetime?

Despite her significant contributions, Follett’s work was not widely recognized during her lifetime. This may have been due to factors such as sexism, the dominance of male scholars in the field of management, and the fact that her ideas were ahead of their time.