Modern Management: thought and theories evidence from the evolution of a Colombian Corporation

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis between management theory and practice as it relates to a Colombian firm becoming a corporation. The purpose of this study is to describe the managerial evolution of a Colombian company with a theoretical foundation support. Propositions are developed to explain three contemporary concepts (corporation development, professional management and globalization) that are present in Almacenes Exito corporation¿s managerial evolution. The sources used were published literature and my personal observations during 1980 to 1999. An overview of how a Colombian corporate example provides support to the applicability of the management theory in different environments.