Management Fads

1 Pages 342 Words

The authors of “Spotting Management Fads” demonstrated how certain qualities of management fads can contribute to short life spans for suggested styles. I agree with the theories in this article. As an example, I have found that a concept that is too simple can easily contribute to the fad’s failure as the basic building blocks are too weak to sustain the JT. It has been my experience that by not addressing the core of a problem management style, the business many times gets weaker instead of stronger. In many instances, a fad is so choreographed that it stifles management’s creative thinking. As such, management may steer away from questioning decisions and policies, therefore, not performing to their full potential. Another distinctive flaw for a fad can lie with qualities like “one-size-fits-all,” “easy to cut and paste,” and “legitimized by gurus and disciples.” These qualities will not always apply to a corporation in their current cookie cutter format. A principle that is a tremendous success for one business cannot be guaranteed for another. The authors of the article also point to the false hope aspect as fuel for the downfall of a fad. Relying on “rah rah” tactics, instead of true measurable success, will not sustain the whim. The traditional qualities of the fad, however, are often pointed to as successes in management styles. They are “real life” practices that have been applied to an organization seeking to change, but with the appropriate modifications for the corporation. As in the article, I have found that a corporation should always carefully analyze any “trendy” management styles for classic and/or radical qualities and determine carefully which, if any, of the fad’s characteristics would benefit their corporation. It is critical in management that you do not jump on the bandwagon of a fad that may only create a quick fix. It is important to analyze how the whole conce...