Management Education and Research in the 1990's : an American Perspective

Abstract

As we enter the 1990s and approach the 21st century, North American

managers-and perhaps managers in other parts of the world-face certain changes and challenges that significantly affect the ability of their companies to function effectively in the increasingly competitive international business

environment. It has often been said that the only constant in life is change, and nowhere is this more true than in the workplace. As one recent survey of American corporations concluded, "Over the past decade, the U.S. corporation

has been battered by foreign competition, its own out-of-date technology and out-of-touch management and, more recently, a flood of mergers and acquisitions. The result has been widespread streamlining of the white-collar ranks and recognition that the old way of doing business is no longer possible or desirable." As the twenty-first century approaches, companies face a variety of challenges that will have a profound impact on organizational dynamics and performance. In fact, in many ways, the manner in which companies attempt to meet these challenges may determine who will survive and prosper into the next century and who will not. Among these challenges are the following.