1 Management Evolution: Caveman through Present

The topics of the origin of mankind, the earth, and the universe usually provoke hotly debated discussions in various circles about evolution versus intelligent design versus creation. However, when it comes to management and human behaviors, there is most certainly an evolution of sorts. Certainly, from a psychological standpoint, mankind has not changed much for thousands of years. The same driving factors such as the need for food, shelter, clothing and necessities still remain, but also the personality characteristics continue to thrive through the drive for money, power, fame, self accomplishment and similar attributes. While these latter characteristics are not necessary for survival, to a certain degree, all individuals strive to attain one or all of these.

Due to various personalities, driving factors and needs, managers through history have learned to adapt to changing behaviors within individuals, communities and broader cultures. These changes usually are impacted by external events and require understanding the root cause to know how to motivate, persuade and negotiate with individuals to get them to perform as desired.