2. Know the Difference

"When the music change, so does the dance"

African proverb

While Sun Tzu is considered as among the earliest management guru in the world through his "The Art of War" book, there are a few more key person who are notable in classical management principles. 

Each and every single person are known with their own unique theory. Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Emile Dunkheim, Max Weber, Frederick Taylor, Mary Follet, Henri Fayol and Chester Barnard are among the most influential individual in management field. They can be easily identified by their approach and method to manage.

I consider Sun Tzu as the basic foundation in management, just like Silat and Court dance such as Tari Asyik and Tari Gamelan in Traditional Malay Dance.

These ancient basic theory shapes today's management, and it is a stepping stone in classical management which have been used by many management scholars like I mentioned earlier. The foundation looks very rather bland, and some may find it very yawnful. However, to study management, we must start right from the beginning of the evolution. 

There are 5 classical tunes in Malay Dance, "Asli", "Zapin", "Inang", "Joget" and "Masri/Samrah". Each tunes comes with their own identity and can be easily identified by the drumbeat. Some sounds easy to follow, while some may be hard to be followed. 

Management theories on the other hand comes with different set of practice. There are radical moves, such as Marxists, and there are some 'mellowed' version i.e. Barnard's. Though there are differences, nevertheless, the goal remains the same, which refers to the organisation management. 

Besides these 5 classical compulsory tunes, there are a few tunes which can be considered as tunes from the region. Malaysia consists of 14 states, and each states has its' own music. In management, apart from these popular gurus, the existence of other popular theorists cannot be denied, as they are part of the management world. 

Among 'big' name in Malaysia's management includes Tun Ahmad Sarji, former Chief Secretary to the Government. Though the name is not as big as the classical management names taught in schools, his contribution towards Malaysia's development is very important.

Management evolution blooms together with the time. New version of theories may be found anywhere at anytime. In dance, contemporary choreography uplifts the image of classical dances. Movements of these dance composed from the basic traditional steps and this is actually an exploration to the treasure which has been preserved in Malay culture.

Though some may find it CREATIVE, perhaps there are some elements that needed to be looked at. It cannot be seen as a new thing as a whole, but it is all about having a new form of thought, which derived from the old one. 

"Our admiration of the antique is not admiration of the old, but of the natural"

Ralph Waldo Emerson