Secular Management Theory

Secular management theory — that is, management theory developed elsewhere than in the religious organizational sector — has developed a wide range of powerful conceptual tools, tested by empirical study, that enable us to understand organizations in the private, public, and voluntary sectors. In this chapter I offer a brief overview of the field as a basis for employing aspects of secular management theory as we study religious and faith-based organizations. The more detailed explorations of management theory to be found in succeeding chapters will enable us to ask to what extent the secular theory can usefully enhance our understanding of religious and faith-based organizations and of the ways in which they are and should be managed.