Management and Michael Polanyi’s thought
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of management ideas as a resource for developing a new understanding of science and society. Design/methodology/approach Three important articles of Polanyi are studied in detail. Findings That writings of Graicunas, Foch and Liddell Hart definitely influenced the development of Polanyi’s thinking and writings of Gulick, Mooney among other management/organization theorists also likely contributed to Polanyi’s thought. Research limitations/implications The study opens a new seam for Polanyi intellectual – historical scholarship. Practical implications The article sheds light on facets of scientific life, including how scientists themselves participate in the overall management of science. Social implications This discussion of Polanyi deepens the appreciation of Liberal society’s functioning. Originality/value No other Polanyi scholar has dug deeply into the history of management, considering its intellectual value to Polanyi.