6 trends over management theory : decolonization, sinification, empowerment/precarization, degendering, transdisciplinarity, and environmental/natural challenges

Abstract

What would be the future of management theory? To answer this question, we explain 3 factors behind the heterogeneity of management theory from a sociology of science perspective. Then we present and discuss 6 trends that are expected to be influential over management theory in our future estimation. These are: Decolonization; Sinification; empowerment and precarization; feminization, degendering and egalitarianism; transdisciplinarity; and environmental and natural challenges and issues (including global warming, increasing number of disasters, peak oil, energy crisis, renewable energy, sustainability, green management etc.). We make the distinction between risk-averse mainstream core academia and risk-accepting critical peripheral academia. These 6 trends we claim are already gaining power in the periphery, and it is highly like that they would be parts of the mainstream science in 50-100 years. Firstly, although the old-fashioned colonialism is over, decolonization of management theory is under progress. Secondly, the rise of China and Chinese scholars will bring the wave of Sinification. Thirdly, the industrial relations oscillate between empowerment and precarization. Fourthly, with the rise of gender equality, degendering of management theory will be visible. Fifthly, the sciences including management science will move more and more towards transdisciplinarity. Finally, environmental and natural challenges will be more influential.