Avoid Management Fads
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Avoid Management Fads, But Embrace Good New Ideas
What Are Management Fads?
Management fads are identical to other fads involving fashion (mini skirts, bell bottoms, etc.), music (disco, rap, etc.), and TV shows (westerns, sitcoms, reality, etc.). They become “white hot” for a time only to burn out relatively quickly. There have been hundreds of management theory fads over the years that have excited professionals, only to be proven ineffective on a long term basis.
For example, back in the 1970s, “matrix management” had its days of glory. The theory involved having functional (working) managers supervising other employees performing similar tasks. While a winner on paper, unintended results occurred over time. Friction developed between the functional supervisors and the team members, who were performing the same tasks, at lesser compensation and without equal power. Further, conflicts arose between these functional supervisors and the next level of management, who felt threatened by this structure.
At times, there are working theories that some companies believe are unsuccessful fads while other entities embrace as valued management theory over time. Consider the once blistering hot theory of “management by objectives” (MBO). For some years, MBO became the unquestioned management bible for organization and action plans. Over time, however, many companies abandoned this once premier theory, deciding it simply didn’t work. Other businesses, though, continued to use this methodology because it worked for them. Fad or valuable management idea? It depends on which companies you ask.
The key for managers: Try to learn the difference between management fads and solid, effective ideas to increase performance, profitability, and team building. Unless you have the rare job duty of “Monday morning quarterback,” you, like other managers, must play the game on Sunday, as it unfolds. This reality makes it difficult to learn which new techniques and philosophies are simply fads and which are solid management ideas that beg for implementation.
Learn the Difference Between Management Fads and Good New Ideas
Unfortunately, there is no simple method to quickly differentiate from fads and good working ideas. All of management wishes there was a straightforward “take two of these and call me in the morning” answer to the question. No manager wants to spend the time and money to implement a management theory that doesn’t work in the real world as it always does on paper.
Companies also need to understand that, just because a new theory is really a management fad, it may still be workable or helpful to the organization. While it is certainly questionable to seek the benefits from the famous “pet rock” fad, hula hoops helped young people improve eye-hand coordination, provided some aerobic exercise, and helped physical flexibility. A fad? Yes. Did it have value? Also, yes.
There have been some management fads that also delivered some value – typically in the short term or as a foundation for more valuable ideas. Those who believe that management fads are just a 21st century phenomena should check their history. For example, in the early 20th century, Frederick W. Taylor authored his famous “Principles of Scientific Management” theory which took the business community by storm. The basis for the theory relied on companies and industries finding the “one best way” of accomplishing tasks in the workplace. Assuming that a best way was identifiable and then training workers to perform their tasks explicitly with this method, this theory was thought to both simplify work process and increase production.
Over time, however, more and more critics of what was called “Taylorism” emerged. The primary flaw in this management fad: It gave no value to the innate human virtue of creativity. What today might be the “one best way” may be displaced tomorrow by “another best way” through the creativity of the human worker. Henry Ford is often credited with taking “Taylorism” and improving it on his production lines. As Mr. Ford often said, “The great thing about people is that with every pair of hands you get a free brain.”
Management fads are seldom useless, but often flame out quickly because of a lack of solid, workable theory. But, there are often good ideas, many which never even reach the level of a popular fad, that, through creativity and thoughtfulness, become effective long-term management philosophies.
Try to avoid jumping too quickly on a moving bandwagon of management theory. Falling off the bandwagon quickly can be professionally painful. Smart professionals should think about the newest management fads in real-world terms. Ask questions about the basis and wisdom of the features of the new theory. If the answers are positive, try out the theory on a small scale. Should it pass this real world test, embrace and use the new action plan on a larger scale.
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