Henri Fayol, practitioner and theoretician – revered and reviled

Abstract

Purpose

Fayol's theories were the original foundation for management as a discipline and as a profession. Also Fayol was the first to advocate management education. Yet he has critics who revile him (or at least disparage his work) as well as followers who respect and revere him. This paper intends to enlighten today's practitioners and academicians about the relevance and value of Fayol's theories today.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addresses Fayol's contributions as well as the disparagement and the reverence. It compares Fayol's work with that of Follett, Mintzberg, Taylor, and Porter. In addition, it demonstrates the original and current interpretation and application of his theories. Finally, it indicates the alignment of Fayol's theories with strategic leadership and management.

Findings

Fayol's theories are valuable and relevant for organizational leaders because Fayol was a practitioner who documented theories that worked best for him and his co‐workers. While there are those who criticize Fayol's theories, there are many others who respect them and find them useful as academicians and as practitioners. The theory of management functions aligns well with strategic leadership and management models and theories.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to integrate Fayol's theories with a strategic leadership model.

Citation

Golden Pryor, M. and Taneja, S. (2010), "Henri Fayol, practitioner and theoretician – revered and reviled", Journal of Management History, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 489-503. https://doi.org/10.1108/17511341011073960