Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

1900-1910: stopwatch science -- 1911-1920: modern times -- 1921-1930: discovering the organization -- 1931-1940: discovering people -- 1941-1950: lessons in war -- 1951-1960: living the dream -- 1961-1970: understanding strategy -- 1971-1980: organized paralysis -- 1981-1990: an excellent adventure -- 1991-2000: the new balance of power -- The state of management.

"Crainer shows us that a careful study of the history of management holds vital clues to its future. There are lessons to be learned from early giants such as Henri Fayol, originator of the fourteen general principles of management, and from more contemporary figures such as W. Edwards Deming, the American whose concept of Total Quality Management revolutionized the Japanese auto industry. Decade after decade, Crainer points out, each new trend in management thinking has been shaped by the successes - and shortcomings - of the concepts that preceded it."--Jacket.