Keywords

management history, stakeholder theory, strategy

Abstract

The year 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of Chester I. Barnard’s classic, The Functions of the Executive, a groundbreaking contribution to management theory. We maintain that Barnard’s work provides a valuable perspective on the causes and potential solutions to challenges facing capitalism, business, and management consequent to the scandals and financial crises of the early 21st century. We believe Barnard would see a systemic failure of the moral dimension of organization as a driver of these crises, and that management theory and practice need to focus on both the science and the aesthetics of management. We look back on The Functions and provide a review of key elements of Barnard’s theory of organization. We then look forward from The Functions and see unique insights and solutions into the ongoing challenges of managerial morality.

Original Publication Citation

Godfrey, P. C. & Mahoney, J. T. (2014). The Functions of the Executive at 75: reflections on a management classic. Journal of Management Inquiry 23 (4): 360-372.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014

Publisher

Journal of Management Inquiry

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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