“Mary Parker Follett, was the 'Mother of Management,' the very modern world of human- centered management. She was a pioneering management theorist whose ideas continue to have practical impact today and continues to influence modern management practices.”

Dr. Chris’s statement surprised almost everyone who were listening to his lecture in their organizational leadership and management class as he was highlighting the modern management theories. None of the audience had heard the name Mary Parker Follet before.

Mary Parker Follett was a groundbreaking thinker and influential figure in the fields of management theory and organizational philosophy. Her ideas about human relations in the workplace, and the importance of collaborative decision-making continues to shape modern management practices and influenced generations of practitioners and scholars.

Mary Parker Follett—Modern Trailblazer of the Modern Management World

Despite her groundbreaking contributions to the field of management theory, Mary Parker Follett has not received the same level of recognition as some of her male contemporaries. Now we know that this was a gender bias in academia and the business world at that time.

During her lifetime, women were not widely accepted in the field of management and were often excluded from leadership positions. As a result, Follett's ideas were often dismissed or attributed to male colleagues who were seen as more authoritative.

Mary Parker Follett was born in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1868. She received her education from Radcliffe College, and later worked as a lecturer and consultant in the field of management and organizational theory. She passed away in 1933 at the age of 64, but her legacy lives on. Even though, she made significant contributions to the field, there have been several instances throughout history where others have taken credit for her pioneering work.

Follett's most significant contributions to management theory was her emphasis on human relations. Follett's ideas on human relations were groundbreaking in their time, and they continue to influence modern management practices. Today, many leaders / managers recognize the importance of building strong relationships with team members, fostering a positive workplace culture, and promoting open communication.

Another important aspect of Follett's work was her emphasis on collaborative decision-making. She believed that the best decisions were made when all stakeholders had a voice in the decision-making process, as it creates a sense of ownership and accountability, which leads to better outcomes.

Today, collaborative decision-making is widely recognized as an important management practice. Many companies use team-based decision-making processes, such as consensus-building and brainstorming, to ensure that all voices are heard and considered when making important decisions.

Follett was also a pioneer in the field of conflict resolution. She believed that conflict was inevitable in any organization, but that it could be managed in a way that was productive rather than destructive. She emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying causes of conflict and using collaborative methods to resolve disputes. Today, conflict resolution is an important part of modern management practices.

Transformation Theory:
Mary Parker Follett’s work on Transformation theory has had a profound impact on the way we think about leadership, organizational change, and social transformation.

Transformation theory is a powerful framework for understanding how individuals and organizations can achieve significant change and growth.

Mary Parker Follett's transformation theory was based on the idea that organizations could achieve significant change and growth through a process of transformation. According to Follett, transformation occurs when individuals or organizations undergo a fundamental change in their beliefs, values, and goals. This change is often driven by a leader who is able to inspire and motivate others to work towards a shared vision of the future.

Follett believed that transformational leadership was essential for achieving social and political change. She argued that transformational leaders were able to inspire individuals and organizations to work towards a common goal, and that this could lead to significant social and political transformation.

Follett also believed that transformational leadership was important for promoting cooperation and collaboration within organizations. She argued that leaders should focus on creating a culture of trust and collaboration, which would allow individuals and organizations to work together towards a common goal.

Follett's work on transformation theory also had a significant impact on the field of social reform. She was a strong advocate for social justice and equality, and her ideas on transformational leadership were closely linked to her broader vision for social transformation.

In summary, Mary Parker Follett was a trailblazing thinker and her work on management and organizational theory has a lasting impact on the field. Her ideas on collaboration and teamwork have become central to modern management theory. Her work on transformational leadership and social transformation continues to be studied and applied in organizations around the world. Her ideas inspire people to work towards a better future, and her contributions to the field of management and organizational theory remain as relevant today as they were during her lifetime.