Abstract

This dissertation examines the management philosophy of Peter F. Drucker, one of the twentieth century's most noted shapers of management thought, through the lens of Aristotle's ethics. Using the framework of the Aristotelian notion of virtue, aspects of Drucker's management theory will be compared to see if and where there are similarities. It will be shown that Drucker's management concepts and principles do in fact manifest the Aristotelian notion of community, a telos, and concern with character as an important aspect in living a good life and achieving positive ends. Additionally, justifying that a Christian claim can be made on Drucker's management philosophy, and that it can be interpreted as a theological construct, Drucker's work is examined from a theological perspective. It is argued that Drucker's moral management perspective actually puts into action key principles of the Christian faith in the secular activities of management. ;It is a basic premise of this dissertation that Drucker's teleologically oriented management philosophy provides a virtue-based archetype of leadership that reflects the Aristotelian concern for community, character, and virtue---in particular, the virtue of practical wisdom, and likewise is consistent with Christian moral principles. Similar to the influence that Aristotle's moral philosophy has had on our understanding of human nature and behavior---an understanding that improves one's opportunity to live the best life possible in relation to one's self and others---Drucker's management philosophy may inspire managers to broaden their perception of the nature and purpose of management, and perhaps be better stewards of the resources entrusted to them. As a twentieth-century model of the practical wisdom that we see in Aristotle and his moral philosophy, Drucker's management philosophy provides a viable, virtue-based management theory to which contemporary managers will be able to relate