The development history and philosophical sources of Herbert Simon's Administrative Behavior

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the impact of the philosophical sources on Herbert Simon's Administrative Behavior, a central work in the management canon.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a conceptual approach, tracing the influence of the major philosophers – William James, John Dewey and the logical positivists (A.J. Ayer and Rudolph Carnap) – cited in the book.

Findings

An understanding of the philosophical platform supporting Administrative Behavior is crucial to a more complete reading of the book and to furthering research in the area.

Practical implications

Future research focused either on extending Herbert Simon's work or, more generally, on advancing the study of management, will benefit from deeper consideration of the implications of the chosen philosophical platform supporting the endeavour.

Originality/value

The paper provides the reader a means for better understanding the contributions of a key work in management, with implications that extend to its overall study.

Citation

Kerr, G. (2007), "The development history and philosophical sources of Herbert Simon's Administrative Behavior", Journal of Management History, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 255-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/17511340710754707