How It Started…………………………… The concept of management came from the recognition of need for well-being and development Facilated by different projects, some existed till today.
Pre Historic Era It is dated about 10000 to 9000 B.C. In this period, many things related to Management were found. • Adaptation to condition produced Mesolithic culture • Started with food gathering ,hunting, fishing and consumption management for society • Gave a base for Management • Family group tribes • Culture influence to agriculture and domesticating animal for increase production • Settle production and create village • Emerge priests and kings holding power • Political and Military structure has been devised • Introduced taxation and division of labour • Trade agreements also started in this period
Sumerian Civilization Sumer , site of the earliest known civilization , located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia , between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers , in the area that later became Babylonia and is now southern Iraq , from around Baghdad to the Persian Gulf. It is generally considered the cradle of civilization . The name of their language was Akkadian . They settled around 3500 B.C. in southern Mesopotamia, a region that covers the lower reaches of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers .
Contribution of Sumerians…… Architecture, Administration & Science: They created the first large cities with dense urban populations, building ziggurats or temples, formulating laws, creating a lunar calendar, algebraic expressions and advanced math, use of wheels and engineering skills, clay tokens used as money, and rounded roofs. Art of writing : They adopted a system of writing which was popularly known as ‘Cuneiform’. Trade and Commerce: They maintained trade and commercial relation with Asian countries including India
Sumerians in Management Sumarian priest managed the wealth and operations through religious ‘ corporation ’ which ensure the managerial control practice. Sumerian priests developed a system of writing or recording data to account for all transactions to manage tax collection, expenditure and loan. They planted the root for written and organized management practice for state control system .
EGYPT .EGYPT—THE DAUGHTER OF THE NILE Ancient Egypt was a civilization of ancient Northeast Africa . It was concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River, situated in the place that is now the country Egypt. They are Arabic-speaking, and they are Muslim—indeed religion plays a greater part in their lives than it does in those either of the Syrians.
• Structures • Writings • Government Contribution to Management
Structure: The pyramids are mute testimony of the managerial & organizational abilities of Egypt. The time duration was 5000 to 525 B.C. Construction is estimated to have taken the labor of over 100 thousand men for 20 years. It indicates their managerial formation ensured long term planning, organizing and controlling.
Writings The Egyptian manager reconized the value of planning and the use of staff advice, as indicated by the following form of manuscript entitled aboyet ( instruction) from a father to his son: Great is great one whose counselors are great [ the value of staff advise to a manager] ❑ Staff advice ❑Honesty ❑ Patience hearing
Government Old kingdom, middle kingdom & new empire provides us the negotiation of the principle of control of an extended operation. From 2160 to 1788 B.C. the govt. was so highly decentralized. Old empire completely disappeared. The royal power became real as well as titular. Egypt civilization indicates their effectiveness.
Babylonia Babylonia was an ancient Akkadian- speaking state and cultural area based in the city of Babylon in central-southern Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iran).
Hammurabi Under, king of Babylonia the cities along the Vally were forced to unite to keep peace. At this time he made a code that is known as Akkadian code of eshnunna , with its price control and criminal penalties. Laws being developed to cover personal property, real estat , trade and business. Babylonian business were highly documented. The code of Hammurabi ruler for some period between 2000 & 1700 B.C Some rules are on minimum wages , on control, on responsibility . Contribution to Management
Nebuchadnezzar After over one thousand years of decline following the region of Hummurabi , Nebuchadnezzar became in 604 B.C. From the textile mills of this period are find enamples of production control & incentive wage payment. Practiced controlling of shelf life of products and crops with color. Workers were paid on the basis of unit production. Motivational incentives were highly focused.
Hebrews The Hebrews were an ancient sematic- speaking people. Historians mostly consider the Hebrews as synonymous with the Israelites, with the term "Hebrew" denoting an Israelite from the nomadic era that preceded the establishment of the united Kingdom of Israel.
One of the great Hebrews was Moses. He is a leadr and manager whose ability in government, law making and human relation makes him worthy of some note. He developed the system of personnel selection, training and organization. Moses, A Great Hebrew implemented two important theories Delegation of Authority 2. Exception Principles "every small matter they shall judge but every great matter they shall bring to thee" Noted that, No other people in history so few in number and so weak politically as Hebrews. Contribution to Management
China , officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. Chinese civilization first emerged in the Yellow River valley, which along with the Yangtze basin constitutes the geographic core of the Chinese cultural sphere. China maintains a rich diversity of ethnic and linguistic people groups. The ancient records of Mencius and Chow (1100 to qbout 500 B.C) do. The Chinese were aware of certain principles bearing on Organizing, planning, directing and controlling. China
Chow ‘The Constitution of Chow’-A Directory of all civil servants with their Jobs & Duties carefully listed. For examples, Eight things he holds to help the king handle his numerous officers. Eight regulations he holds to govern the different depatments of government Eight methods he holds to govern the country. Ritual and worship Status and regulations Removal and appointment Emolument and Rank Taxes and tributes Ceremonies and customs Punishment and reward Farming and other employments Contribution to Management
Emperor Yao(2350-2256 B.C), Shun, T’ang (1766-1754 B.C), King Wu(1122- 1116 B.C) Participative decision making, people oriented rule. Mencius Writing about 500 B.C. Mencius clearly indicated the need for system, methodology & model for effective management. Recognized need for system , standard and most importantly specialization. San Tzu “The Art of War” is the oldest military treatise in the word which was written by San Tzu about 500 B.C. It indicated the following excerpts- On planning On Directing
Ancient Greek civilization, the period following Mycenaean civilization, which ended about 1200 bce , to the death of Alexander the Great, in 323 bce . It was a period of political, philosophical, artistic, and scientific achievements that formed a legacy with unparalleled influence. Greece
Plato ( born 428/427 bce , Athens, Greece—died 348/347, Athens), ancient Greek philosopher, student of Socrates (c. 470–399 bce ), teacher of Aristotle (384– 322 bce ), and founder of the Academy, best known as the author of philosophical works of unparalleled influence) Xenophon (One of Socrates' Disciples) 430 B.C. – 354 B.C. Universality of Management, Specialization of Job .
Perhaps the Greeks more than any other people provide us with the most extensive documentation of management principles about the universality of Management, Specialization, Management as an art, Employee Selection, Delegation of authority and Motion Study. The Greeks Developed a new type of city government, the polis. Polis encouraged Free exchange of Ideas & Practice of open discussion. Plato explain the polis in his book ‘ The Republic’ – King is a philosopher , best ruler & acquainted with the form of the Good. Contribution to Management
Universality of Management The Greeks suggested that management principles apply to all forms of organized activity —whether in governance, the military, or business. They believed effective management practices were not confined to one sector, but universal in nature . This idea later influenced modern thinkers like Henri Fayol, who argued that management principles apply across industries.
Specialization Greeks practiced division of labor within their city-states (polis). Each person was expected to contribute according to their strengths— farmers, artisans, soldiers, traders, rulers. Plato emphasized specialization in The Republic , arguing that society functions best when each individual does the work suited to their abilities. This principle foreshadows Adam Smith’s idea of specialization in economics and efficiency in modern management .
Management as an Art The Greeks viewed leadership and governance as an art form requiring wisdom, persuasion, and ethics . Socrates and Plato stressed that a manager or ruler must combine knowledge, experience, and moral character . Managing people was not just about rules but also about judgment and creativity.
Employee Selection The Greeks recognized that not everyone was fit for every role. Socrates emphasized choosing people for their knowledge, skills, and moral qualities , not simply their birth or wealth. This is an early form of recruitment and selection principles seen in modern HR practices.
Delegation of Authority In the polis (city-state), authority was distributed among councils, assemblies, and magistrates. Leaders understood that effective governance required sharing power and responsibility . Delegation was seen as a way to involve more citizens, ensure accountability, and prevent abuse of power. This influenced the modern concept of organizational hierarchy and delegation in management.
Motion Study (Efficiency of Work) While systematic motion study was formalized much later by Frederick Taylor and the Gilbreths , Greeks emphasized efficiency in physical tasks , especially in military training and construction. For example, Greek soldiers (hoplites) were trained in precise, repeated movements to maximize collective strength—an early example of work simplification and efficiency analysis .
Plato’s Republic and the Philosopher-King In The Republic , Plato described an ideal society governed by the philosopher-king . He argued that the best ruler is not the richest or most powerful, but the one with wisdom, virtue, and knowledge of the “form of the good.” This idea reflects ethical leadership , stressing that managers and leaders must act in the best interests of society or the organization , not personal gain .
Greek Government System The Polis (City-State) Ancient Greece (c. 800–300 BC) was not a single unified nation, but a collection of independent city-states called poleis (singular: polis ). Each polis had its own government, laws, army, and culture , but shared religion, language, and traditions . Famous poleis: Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes, Delphi . The polis was both a political unit and a community where citizens participated actively.
Forms of Government in Greece The Greeks experimented with multiple systems of rule, many of which became the foundation of modern governance. a) Monarchy (Rule by One) Early Greek city-states were ruled by kings. Power was hereditary. Over time, monarchies weakened as nobles and warriors gained influence. b) Aristocracy (Rule by the Nobles) Power was held by landowning aristocrats. Nobles controlled politics, land, and military. Excluded common citizens from decision-making. c) Oligarchy (Rule by the Few) Wealthy merchants or elite families ruled. Sparta developed a strong oligarchic system, where two kings shared power with a council of elders ( Gerousia ) and an assembly.
d) Tyranny (Rule by One Strongman) Some leaders seized power illegally (called tyrants ), often supported by the poor. Example: Pisistratus in Athens (6th century BC). Tyrannies were not always oppressive—many tyrants initiated reforms. e) Democracy (Rule by the People) Athens developed the world’s first direct democracy in the 5th century BC. Citizens (adult free men) participated directly in decision-making through the Ekklesia (assembly).
Key Features of Greek Government Rule of Law : Laws applied to all citizens. Citizen Participation : Civic duty was highly valued. Public Debate : Decisions were made through open discussion. Rotation in Office : Many officials were chosen by lot to avoid corruption. Checks and Balances : Power was shared between assemblies, councils, and courts.
India has been home to major civilizations since around 2600 B.C.E. Examples include the Indus Valley civilization, the Vedic Age, the Mauryan Empire, and the Gupta Empire. All of these civilizations contributed and utilized many advancements in the worlds of science, technology, art, and culture. India
Contribution to Management He is traditionally identified as Kauṭilya or Vishnugupta , who authored the ancient Indian political treatise, the Arthashastra , a text dated to roughly between the 2nd century BCE and the 3rd century CE. Chanakya (371 BC to 283 BC) was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, jurist and royal advisor.
Contribution to Management Kautiliya’s Arthashasra : The Arthashastra offers a list with the seven components of the state: The king The ministers The country (population, geography and natural resources) Fortification Treasury Army Allies
1. The King (Swami) The ruler is the central figure. Must be wise, disciplined, and devoted to dharma (duty) and artha (prosperity). Role: protect subjects, enforce justice, expand territory, and ensure welfare. If the king is weak, the state collapses. 2. The Ministers (Amatya) The king must be supported by capable and honest ministers. Selection based on merit, loyalty, and expertise , not just birth. They advise the king and help in administration, finance, defense, and law. Early form of a cabinet system .
3. The Country ( Janapada ) Refers to territory, population, geography, and natural resources . A strong country needs fertile land, productive resources, good climate, and loyal citizens. The prosperity of the people ensures the strength of the state. 4. Fortification (Durga) Forts were essential for defense, administration, and storage . Protected the king and citizens during invasions. Could be built of stone, mud, water (islands), or forests, depending on geography. Symbol of security and stability .
5. Treasury (Kosha) Wealth is the backbone of the state. Sources: taxation, trade, tributes, and war booty. Used for administration, army maintenance, infrastructure, and public welfare. Without a strong treasury, neither the army nor the king can function effectively. 6. Army (Danda/Bala) Essential for defense, law enforcement, and expansion. Must be disciplined, loyal, and well-equipped. Includes infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants (in Mauryan times). A weak army invites foreign invasion. 7. Allies (Mitra) Diplomacy and alliances were crucial for survival. Allies provided military support, trade opportunities, and protection against enemies. Good foreign relations were as important as internal strength.
Key Insights Kautilya viewed the state as a living organism where all seven elements must work in harmony. If one component is weak, the whole system suffers. His ideas are similar to today’s concepts of: Executive (King & Ministers) Territory & Citizens (Country) Defense (Army & Forts) Economy (Treasury) Foreign Policy (Allies)
Arthasastra covered- •Duties of the king, ministers, councilors & others’ •Management of trade and commerce •Laws and Law court, rights of women •Social customs, marriage & divorce , taxation and revenue •War & peace •Managing mills, factories and agriculture & etc.
Early military contributions Cyrus II of Persia (600 or 576– 530 BC), He is commonly known as Cyrus the Great and also known as Cyrus the Elder, was the Achaemenid founder Empire. The Persian Empire , also known as the Achaemenid Empire. At its height, it encompassed the areas of modern-day Iran, Egypt, Turkey, and parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Principle of division of work • Unity of direction or command • Specificity in work assignment • Need for teamwork, co-ordination • Good personnel or human relations • Order placement and uniformity of action • Motion study, layout and materials handling Contribution to Management
Contributions & Legacy Founder of the Persian Empire – laid the foundation of one of the greatest empires in history. Model of Leadership – valued justice, tolerance, and pragmatism, unlike many ancient conquerors. Influence on Governance – inspired later leaders, including Alexander the Great, who admired him. Human Rights Pioneer – remembered for the Cyrus Cylinder , his policies of tolerance, and freedom.
The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient clay artifact inscribed with a royal declaration by Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. It's a foundation deposit, buried in the walls of Babylon after Cyrus captured the city in 539 BC. The inscription, written in Akkadian cuneiform, details Cyrus's conquests, his restoration of temples and religious practices, and his policy of allowing deported peoples to return to their homelands.
Responsible to supervise them. Responsible to send out those servants whose work was outside. He was to receive the income and distribute the income for spending. Responsible for budgeting and planning. Cyrus established a centralized bureaucracy with clear roles for supervising labor, managing income, and planning expenditures, which was quite advanced for his time and laid the foundation for later Persian rulers.
Rome In 284 A.D Diocletian became emperor . Diocletian’s aim was to strength and solidify the imperial authority . Rome is the capital city of Italy. The Roman Empire ruled the Mediterranean and much of Europe, Western Asia and North Africa.
Farm management The duties of a farm manager or steward in historical or traditional agricultural management systems are: Maintain discipline – The farm manager ensures that all workers follow rules, work efficiently, and avoid conflicts that disrupt productivity. Respect the rights of others – Treating laborers, tenants, and team leaders fairly to maintain harmony and motivation. Settle all quarrels – Acting as a mediator to resolve disputes among workers or between teams to prevent work stoppages. Contribution to Management
Keep the hands busy – Ensuring that all workers remain productive and engaged in meaningful tasks rather than being idle. Go over accounts with his master – Reporting financial matters, expenses, and farm income accurately to the landowner or master. Pay the highest compliments to team masters – Recognizing and appreciating the work of subordinate leaders or supervisors to encourage loyalty and morale. In essence, the farm manager acts as both an administrative officer and a mediator , overseeing productivity, discipline, financial matters, and worker welfare.
Selection of Farm Labor • Fitted for heavy labor • Knowledge for agriculture • Education with good characteristics • Older than other workers • Experienced • Better to choose “Married” person • Reward for better performance