Management and leadership: buccaneering or science?

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to determine the views of a select group of manager‐students on general management and leadership and whether or not their views correspond to classical management theory.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory‐descriptive approach was employed. Specifically, a survey was conducted among final‐year MBA students of a specific university. These students were all employed in management positions in their respective organisations.

Findings

The students viewed general management and leadership as being the same and their views correspond to the theory underpinning classical management.

Research limitations/implications

Statistically, the findings cannot be generalised beyond the scope of this study due to its exploratory nature. However, the concepts referred to in this study can inform and be tested in further research.

Practical implications

It would seem that there is indeed a body of knowledge underpinning classical management. Mastery of this knowledge could enable managers to ensure the preferred competitive positions of their organisations.

Originality/value

This paper focuses attention anew on classical management and its scientific nature as well as its contribution to the sustained competitive success of organisations.

Citation

Nienaber, H. and Roodt, G. (2008), "Management and leadership: buccaneering or science?", European Business Review, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 36-50. https://doi.org/10.1108/09555340810843681