Luchien Karsten, Sjoerd Keulen, Ronald Kroeze and Rik Peters
This paper aims to look at the role of the top and middle management of the Philips organization during the transition from one type of organizational change to another in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to look at the role of the top and middle management of the Philips organization during the transition from one type of organizational change to another in the 1990s and the role the history of the organisation played in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analysis is based on historical records, literature and interviews with former Philips top managers.
Findings
The paper shows that Philips' leaders used different styles of leadership to create a deliberate atmosphere and willingness to change. The final emergent transformation, however, could only sufficiently materialise while it rejuvenated existing management concepts like Quality Management. The success was partly based on the fact that these concepts played a historical role in the Philips organisation.
Originality/value
The paper adds the historical style approach to leadership research and pays attention to the important role of the organization's history during processes of organizational change.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to investigate the introduction of rationalist concepts through Taylorization to Turkey during the early republican era, using Wallace Clark’s case of the Turkish…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the introduction of rationalist concepts through Taylorization to Turkey during the early republican era, using Wallace Clark’s case of the Turkish State Monopolies.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a historical narrative approach to explore the roles of foreign experts in the transfer of rationalist and Taylorist ideas to Turkish State Monopolies (Inhisarlar Idaresi).
Findings
This study illuminates the introduction and adoption of Taylorist principles in early republican Turkey through multiple lenses. First, it underscores the era’s fervent drive for rapid modernization, rooted in emulation of Western models perceived as progressive. Second, using a historical narrative approach, this research highlights the pivotal role of foreign expertise in catalyzing and formalizing rationalization efforts.
Originality/value
This study makes a unique and meaningful contribution to the history of management in terms of demonstrating the international influence of the Scientific Management Movement through the neglected case of Turkey.