Management thought and philosophy

Oluwashola Adeoti, Olusoji George and Mofope Adegboye*

Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: madegboye@saffron–ng.com; Telephone: +2348179033204

Accepted 25 October, 2013

Abstract

This paper examines the problems associated with the application of management theories and philosophies in Nigeria. Historical and descriptive research methods were used, using secondary sources of information. The study found that challenges impeding the application of management theories and philosophies in Nigeria include: Lack of funds and research facilities, poor attitude and interest in research work, scanty statistics and documentation problem, intra cultural differences, the relatively few faculties and newness of management as a discipline in our academic institutions, poor linkage and collaboration between researchers and private sector among others. Based on the findings, the study recommends that on a regular basis, conferences, seminars and workshop should be organized to train stakeholders on how to weigh, and align theories of management being transferred from western nations in order to select only those that are consistent and relevant to African culture and development.

Keywords: Management theories, Management philosophies, Culture, System approach, Colonialism, Ubuntu.