Methods and concepts in management: significance, satisfaction and suggestions for further research - perspectives from Germany, Austria and Switzerland

Considering the number of management concepts and methods that are created, published and promoted it seems possible to create breakthrough initiatives every day. Unfortunately some of them are ephemeral fads with little effect on business success. Based on a survey of 114 German, Swiss and Austrian consultants, this paper tries to help managers to determine which concepts will be of significant importance in the coming years. The authors argue that shareholder value is out, strategic planning makes a comeback, downsizing, lean management and TQM were themes of the last century, knowledge management has to become more user-friendly to survive, and process management and CRM gain in importance. Copyright (C) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.